Writing will transform your life. Once you discover that expressing your thoughts through words can give you the power to change yourself and others, you will grow in ways that you once feared. Although it may seem scary, one day you will share your writing with more people than you ever considered possible. Even so, I can promise you that regardless of your audience, your writing will always be for you.

I remember writing in the old, rainbow journal that I received Christmas of 2005. I spent many sunny and rainy days alike writing about what I thought was the most important aspect of my life. Sometimes I even wrote about nothing in particular and just described the cars that were driving by.

What I didn’t know then was that writing in the journal was the beginning of something great. Initially, I wrote in the journal because I was looking for an outlet for my feelings. However, the outlet that I thought I needed has enabled me to open many doors that gave me incredible opportunities. I eventually began to consider a career in journalism. The prospect may have seemed far-fetched, but writing for my high school and college newspapers warmed me up to the idea.

As I mentioned earlier, writing will give you a fresh perspective. I have learned how powerful words can be in a person’s life. Words will become your sharpest defense, but also your greatest weapon. You will have to choose them wisely, and you will make mistakes with them, but you will also learn from those mistakes and how to avoid repeating them in the future.

It's true, perspective takes years to gain. I now realize how important it was that I picked up that pen and scribbled in that journal all those years ago. Those experiences that I recorded, regardless of how trivial they are now, were meant to help me gain insight. They helped me realize I could become the person that I am today.

My experiences changed me and allowed me to let go of my words, as they are ready.

I thank writing for bestowing this gift upon me.