Words. Words are a part of every day life. They are a way of communicating, whether it is through technology, verbally, or more. Personally, I love words. That is because I am a writer.

Lately, I have been asked why I write. Well, I will tell you, and I think many other writers will agree with me as well. Here is my story behind writing.

For as long as I can remember, I have always loved to write. I remember being in fourth grade writing poems and my teacher telling me I was going to be a writer. She said she could see me writing a book one day.

Academically, I have always been a good writer. I love grammar, even though everyone, including me, makes mistakes with it at times. I also love to proof read. In high school, I took a journalism class, and for the first time, I actually realized how much I loved to write. I decided that I wanted to pursue journalism.

Writing articles is different than writing a book, but I still am a writer. My fourth grade teacher was right all along. While I hope to continue to write articles, maybe one day I will write a book. Who knows.

Any way, there are many reasons why I love writing. Like I said, I've been questioned a lot lately. "Why do you write?" "Is it just for fun?" "Why do you write some of the things you write?" "You have offended people with what you write, do you care?" "I don't like how you wrote about this."

First, I am honestly sorry if anything I have ever written has offended you or made you upset. Of course, sometimes words and the truth hurt. I can especially attest to that. There are many words people have said or written to or about me that have hurt me. Words have the power to do that. But the words I write are not intended to hurt or offend anyone. If my sharing my story, opinion, humor and words bothers you, then maybe you need to think about why it is bothering you. For then it is not necessarily what I am writing, but maybe there is something wrong with how you are taking it.

Because I write for me.

I do not write for anyone else. I do not write to ruin lives. I do not write to get a rise out of people. I do not write for any reason involving others. I do not write to make people upset. I do not write lies. I do not write for bad reasons. I write for myself. If you think other wise, then check yourself. Because then you think everything is about you or you are holding some type of guilt or grudge. If that is the case, I am sorry you feel that way.

Here is my honest answer. I write because I love it. Honestly, I do. One reason I write is because I love to do it. Plus, I am good at it, which helps a little I suppose. Whether it is just writing in my journal about personal things, writing articles about events or others, writing a blog about my personal life or writing here about anything, I find ultimate joy in doing so. I love being able to look back on words I have written or essays I have done. So, I don't complain about it. (This is especially great because I get my essays for school done fast, and they don't suck.) I find writing to be fun, and I would highly suggest it to anyone.

Writing is also a great outlet. As someone who struggles with anxiety and depression, it is great to write down my thoughts in a journal. I am then able to vent without bothering people. Sometimes, that is better than putting pressure on others. You do not need to keep things in. You can write about it. It feels the same getting it down on paper as it does telling someone. But in a journal, you can really be you. You can share all your thoughts and feelings, and no one will judge you. If you choose to make it public, like I do, no one should judge you. If they do, then they are just not a decent person. Whether it is a stranger or a friend, a journal or a published article, it is encouraging to have support in whatever writing you do. It is encouraging when you are welcomed being yourself! That is why I find writing so amazing. It allows you to be yourself. It allows you to freely express who you are, no matter what people think. And honestly, who cares what people think! It is what YOU think and what YOU feel. No one else's opinions matter because they really have no say and can't tell you what you feel is wrong.

Similarly, writing has the ability to create a safe, stress free environment. If you are sad or upset, writing it out makes you feel better. It is a great way to relieve stress and calm yourself down. Writing, believe it or not, is your own personal therapy. It can help you relax and even make you happy. I love writing letters or just paragraphs if I am having a problem with someone or something. Writing letters that you will never send helps a lot because then you can get all you want to say out. Writing really has the power to make you feel better.

While I am sure there are many other reasons I love to write, I cannot think of more at the moment. I'm sure after this is finished I will come up with a bunch more. But for now, this is all I have to say.

Writing is a great thing to do. I love writing, and no one can make me feel otherwise. I encourage you to find your passion and stick with it no matter what. Be you.