There is only one conductor in a symphonic band. With a small, thin baton, he is the one in control. The swift movements of his wrist tell a story with several instruments, painting vivid colors and images in the listener's mind. Writing is the same thing. One writer, one pen, and so many stories that can be told.

The beautiful thing about writing is that it can be a story for the world to hear or an intimate secret between you and a sheet of paper. Writing is for when your "emotion's backpack" can't carry anymore thoughts or feelings, and you need to throw it out there. You—the writer—determine if you will write one page or a hundred pages. You don't have to be an award winning author, either. All you need is a pen and paper or an open notes tab on your phone. It's whatever you want it to be. You are in control.

Writing is also great because paper doesn't talk back or gossip. Venting to friends can be helpful in so many ways, but some things aren't meant to be shared (even with your ultimatebest friend forever). Too many times, I have told a friend something personal only to have my entire perspective change five minutes later. It's not like I can just take it back, right? There are some things that only you as an individual can understand about yourself. With writing, if you change your mind or simply don't like the way something sounds, you can just erase it. It's that easy, and your secrets are safe.

When we were younger, most of us kept a journal. Every day, we would write down observations, things we felt, and details that made that day so special. Now, while journaling is less common, it's still a helpful tool. When we are able to look back on our writing, we can see our growth as a person. In the long run, that's a very important thing to know.

Writing is our best friend. As Maya Angelou once said, "There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.”