Writing has always been an outlet for me. Whether it be a short story, how I'm feeling, a to do list or an article such as this one I have found it soothing to translate ideas from my head onto paper. However, this past week my love for writing, and this very platform I'm writing on was put to the test. I came across an article that was extremely offensive, not only to me but to many readers. We voiced our opinions in the comment section, but doing so was not going to make the author change their mind.

I couldn't fathom how someone could use their written words to bring harm and pain to people. I took a step back and questioned why I write. What do I want people to get from my written word? Unlike the article I am referring to, I want to write to inspire other individuals. I want my words to build people up and make them believe in themselves.

If not, I hope my words can at least bring laughter or an expansion of the mind. This is when writing is powerful. When you're vulnerable and honest. I encourage everyone to write somehow, in their own way. Make sure your words are uplifting, not just to your readers but to yourself. Along the way you are bound to learn something about the person you are and the person you want to become.

One may be thinking they just don't have it in them to write something great, or something worth reading. I promise you do. Continue to practice and take on multiple approaches, such as journaling, scriptwriting, story telling, or simply writing about your day. After all, the greatest writers of our time didn't perfect their craft overnight.

We would never have journeyed a post-catastrophe America with father and son without Cormac McCarthy's The Road. The wizarding world would still be a mere figment of our imaginations had JK Rowling not written Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. And where would literature be without the chills given by Stephen King, specifically his novel It.

All of these authors have different styles, but all of their stories left an impact. If they had stopped at their first case of writer's block or due to a lack of initial idea, then we wouldn't have the amazing stories we do today. Don't give up on your ideas so soon, give them a chance to come to life. Keep writing, your voice matters!