Everyone needs an outlet of expression.

This is the first published writing gig I've ever had. I sort of accidentally got it, going out on a limb in order to keep connections with Coastal Carolina before I left. I love the art of writing, and of conversation, and I often times say too much and drag talks out unnecessarily. That's why I write, because it is my outlet.

I've realized something about myself that I had not fully come to grips with. I need writing.

Ever since I have gotten back from Coastal in the winter, I'm not at a crazy party school anymore, and most of my friends are at school themselves. So I naturally need to be able to express myself in some way. Family is stressful, work has one purpose, and thus my options are slim. I need writing because I have no abundance of outlets. My writing dialogue is often, actually usually, conversational, even in formal pieces. That stems from my desire to connect the reader, but is rooted deeper. I'm basically talking to myself. It sounds crazy, the concept of talking to myself, but it serves a purpose. Essentially, I'm using writing as a platform of expression and it's something that I haven't realized to the complete extent up until this point.

I need it. I'm way too emotionally invested and have far too many thoughts that swirl in my head all day. Half the time it all just comes out in an unhealthy way. That is where the reasoning behind my self conversational dialogue kicks in. That's why I normally write about topics I want to write about, and sometimes may only be important to me, regardless of the potential popularity. These are all my thoughts and opinions, not a selling point. My portfolio of writing is basically a constant stream of conversation. It seems rather strange, but it is vital.

We all need an outlet for our emotions, something that can consistently be the one 'thing' that we use as a median. Some people use music, working out, fishing, you name it. Each one of us is different, and it is very important that we are able to harness our own emotions, whether they are positive or negative, in some fashion. Sometimes I want to rely on other people for my emotional expressionism, but I have to be able to handle situations myself, and with myself. That's why I essentially write to myself. It helps not only get my own thoughts out, but organize, temper, harness, and channel them. It's like the saying, 'think before you speak'. I oftentimes find myself at a loss in that phrase because I keep things in my subconscious, and let them out incorrectly. Not good. So I write, and get it all out.

My mind works constantly, and I am always trying to figure things out, plan, and move efficiently. I often times get too bogged down by this, without even realizing it. It's too stressful and simply not worth it. But after I write about it, even if it's as simple as jotting down a daily agenda, I'm more relieved. Writing works for me, and on many occasions I forget that. I pass it over, keep all the thoughts in my head, and do not deal with them the correct way. But it's important to learn from this, and grow.

With all of these thoughts and ideas, something good will come out of it.