by Irene C. Dasalla

Created on: July 20, 2008

Writing - An Uncovered Gem

People write for different reasons. Some people write as a means to escape from their current reality and they let their pen express the imagination of their limitless mind. Others use it as a way to vent from the misfortunes they had experienced in their journey. Several use writing as a medium to inspire others by sharing the lessons that they learned through their many exciting adventures, misfortunes, and mistakes. As I contemplate on this question, what would my purpose be?

As I look back in my early years, writing was not my cup of tea. I had carried this from elementary through my college years. My father was my writer growing up. He was the one finishing my "How Did I Spend My Summer Vacation" composition homework for my English class in my elementary days while I was anxiously waiting to read what he had written. I was the voice and he was the pen. We made a pretty good team; however, this can not go on forever.

Life had a way to reintroduce writing to me as if it knew that I needed it in my journey. I had observed that I had this urge to write when I experience challenges of the heart or triumph over obstacle. A pen and a paper are my companion in my solitude which has led me to appreciate something that I used to ignore. I wanted to share my thoughts to others before, but I was afraid that people may not like my style of writing because I do not use big and fancy words just like other writers do. I put that fear aside and I just write simply because I love writing.

Writing is the pen of my mind. It is the voice of my soul, of my spirit. It has a distinct voice different from my speaking voice. It is a voice that I can only hear when my mind is still and free from the noise of the modern world. It gives me advice or shed some light to my troubles. Listening to the voice of reason has continuously helped me overcome obstacles in my life. Advice can come from anyone a friend, a family member, a book. With this said, I was thinking that maybe, just maybe, when I share my thoughts and experiences through my writing, I can give others a dose of motivation they may need to continue with their journey.

Freedom is one of the benefits of writing. I may not be a painter, but I can paint my stories with words, capture vibrant colors for the story to come alive. I may not be a sculptor, but I can mold the characters to whatever I want. I may not be a film director, but I can direct how the characters should behave in a specific scene. Creativity knows no rules. Through writing, I take the lead. I can do and go anywhere my imagination takes me unbounded from the rules of modern civilization.

I would never think that the one thing I hated the most growing up is the medium I have to use today to carry out my passion and purpose in life. Every person has his or her gift or calling. I cannot paint nor draw. I cannot dance nor sing. However, there is an inexplicable contentment, happiness, and freedom when I write. Though I did not consider myself as a writer in my early years, I call myself as a writer now only because I see myself as one. Why I write? I write for many reasons, but mainly to share my voice. My voice maybe heard by a few or by many, but I do believe that if the voice is genuine, people will listen.

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