Sunday, March 17, 2013

Why Do I Write?


Why Do I write? It is hard for me to think back so many years and find the moments when I actually began writing. I have always been writing. Then why am I asking this question today?
Earlier in March, I wrote about   writing teachers that don't write, but today I am searching for deeper meaning to my writing. When I was a child, I wrote cards, lessons for my dolls, and stories. As a teenager, I wrote in my diary, I wrote essays at school--I can still remember those history essays about Napoleon and Maria Antoinette. As an adult, I wrote down notes at church, during quiet times, and of course, at university. Now I write because:

“Writing is a way of talking without being interrupted.”                                                                                                                                                    -Jules Renard-


I love this quote! When I write, nobody can stop me (except the phone, children, doorbell, or any other external noise). I can choose to ignore anything and everything that does not originate from my brain cells. My words can flow. No one will question my words (at not at this moment). 

“Every word a woman writes changes the story of the world, revises the official version.”           -Carolyn See-


If I think deeply, and am honest with myself, isn't this the reason that I write? I want to change something in this world! Maybe it will only be small part, like the lives of my students. If my example, or my words, will encourage one child to embark on a writing journey, I have changed the world!

“Write what disturbs you, what you fear, what you have not been willing to speak about. Be willing to be split open.”                                                                -Natalie Goldberg-

I have read many blogs where writers write about their pain. I have cried when sorrow has come through the pages. I have had tears running down my cheeks when good byes have been painful, or when someone else's memories have touched mine. So, I also write to express my fears, memories that are at times painful, or about events that disturb me. I am writing to release stress inside. I am writing that maybe someone will be delivered from their fears, and encouraged to pursue their dreams in spite of uncertainty. I write because there is a message inside me. I write because the dry land needs to be irrigated. I write because it is my passion.



14 comments:

  1. I really connected with your post. I don't think of myself as a writer yet, but when I write, I do feel like I've "split myself open." This SOL challenge really helps us see ourselves in a new light. Keep writing!!

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    1. Thanks Chris! That is one of the many reasons why I love this March challenge!

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  2. This is beautiful! Thanks for sharing. Makes me wonder why I write, too!

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    1. I am sure you write so that you can "laugh often and love much!"

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  3. So many wonderful reasons to write...and that Carolyn See quote really resonates with me, as a woman and a writer - we MUST write.

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    1. Absolutely Tara! As women, we have a voice that needs to be heard!

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  4. Your reflection shows that you know your purpose, reasons and passion for writing. It's perfect how your OLW fits in.
    On some days I think I know why I write, on other days I am uncertain and confused. Today I am confused.

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    1. Terje, you may think that you are confused, but your posts are always so eloquent!

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  5. The ending is my favorite part, Jaana! Your passion (for writing and for teaching!) is always evident in your posts. I write to make sense of the world and to remember the wonderful little everyday moments in life. Now, I also write to share ideas with other teachers and to feel that I'm not alone in my ideas about teaching.

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    1. Thanks Jennifer! Perhaps my goal this week is to be more observant of what my students say; I can see a few posts forthcoming!

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  6. Great reflection. Your purpose in life comes through so often in your writing. I always look forward to finding your post, and to getting comments from you. You do have a true message inside of you. Thanks for sharing it.

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    1. Thank you! I believe that there is a message inside each of us. We just need to find a way to bring it out!

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  7. You have such clear reasons for writing. I did not see myself as a writer, but the more I write the more I grow as a writer. This is a new experience for me and I am in my infancy of writing. I started so I could talk to teachers about the struggle of writers. Now I write because I enjoy it. It is a challenge to find something to put out for the world, but I try.

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    1. Elsie, you have so much heart and wisdom to share with the world! Please keep writing and sharing!

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