Writing has always been more than a skill or a pastime for me; it’s an essential part of who I am. In a world that can feel noisy and chaotic, writing is my sanctuary, the one place I can freely express my thoughts, fears, dreams, and doubts. When I sit down to write, I feel as though I’m peeling back the layers of life, capturing moments and emotions that are fleeting yet powerful. It's like opening a door to a place where I am entirely myself, where words are tools to make sense of what often feels complex and overwhelming. I started seriously journaling in 1st grade. My mom died when I was five and writing at such a young age helped me profoundly. I remember the boys would try to steal my journal and I realized how special those words were to me. They were sure I was writing about them (maybe sometimes I was) and they were hooked on getting that “diary” - I don’t keep diaries! It was more than, “It’s Monday today. Another Monday. It rained. It was dreary.” No, no. My journal had prayers, letters to my mom, all my secret thoughts, anger (I called it taking out the trash) and drawings, dried flowers. And also, from a young age, I knew a Monday was not just another Monday. I knew that it was a day that never was before and never would be again. A passing moment in time that is here now and never to return. Nothing is mundane. Each day was unique, different from any other day before and different than any day to come. I think seeing your mom die when you are just a little girl brings you smack dap, front and center of what really matters. If you let it. If you don’t let hurt and anger eat you up. If you have faith that life has meaning. There’s a quote in the Bible, “Do not harden your hearts.” Pretty much sums it up. Writing helped keep my heart soft.

For me, writing isn’t just about putting words on paper; it’s an act of discovery. Each sentence reveals a little more about myself and how I perceive the world. I’ve often found that the answers I seek come to me as I write, as if the words I’m looking for are hidden just below the surface, waiting for me to reach them. It’s a journey that helps me understand not only myself but also the world around me in deeper and more meaningful ways.

There’s also an incredible sense of fulfillment in knowing that my writing has the power to connect with others. Whenever I share my work, I feel a sense of vulnerability, but there’s also an undeniable thrill in realizing that my words might resonate with someone else, that my story could be a mirror for someone else's experiences. It’s this connection that reminds me why I write—not just for myself, but as a way to reach out, to create empathy, and to share the beauty and struggles of being human.

Writing is not always easy; it demands patience, honesty, and the willingness to confront both the good and the bad. But that’s also what makes it so rewarding. Writing has become a way to ground myself, to explore and challenge my beliefs, and to capture moments in time that might otherwise be lost. It’s a lifelong companion, a faithful friend that gives me clarity, purpose, and a voice in a world that sometimes feels too loud. For all these reasons and more, writing is not just important to me; it’s an essential part of my identity.

I remember reading this quote when I was very young …

“I hope that I shall be able to confide in you completely, as I have never been able to do in anyone before, and I hope that you will be a great support and comfort to me.” -Anne Frank. This is an inscription at the beginning of her journal.

About says it all.