On Writing
Why do I write? Should I write? Do I have fun writing? And why?
To tackle that third question, I'm not sure if I have fun writing. But I enjoy it (yes, this is semi-contradictory). Writing is like hiking -- I'm not a fan of it until I actually start doing (whether that be writing or hiking), the environment has to be correct for things to happen, and while I'm writing/hiking, I'm having a great time. In this way, there is sort of a mental barrier to writing -- there's something (in my mind) inhibiting me from writing, yet once I get over that, the words simply flow nicely.
As for specifically why I enjoy my writing, I of course am not sure. Perhaps writing marks a milestone in my thought -- by recording down what I think, I spread it to the world but most of all to myself; and by recording those interesting thoughts, I can recount a lesson I learned later and perhaps remind me of a good time. Perhaps I write to improve -- and by simply undertaking the act of writing, I improve myself (in some way). Sure, I consider myself an engineer and writing (or English for that matter) is not a core feature of the job. Yet if I am unable to write, I am unable to create, and thus unable to be at my peak. Which leads nicely into the third (and for now most important) reason -- I write to create.
The act of creating is gone. It's not gone, but when I create, I try to create with all my heart. For me, creation is something uniquely personal -- I don't want to be "creating" from the assembly line; I want to create from the blank canvas. In that way, although one can argue that there are a lot more creators in the world -- take a look at the accounts on TikTok or Youtube Shorts or MySpace Moments -- I would argue that since meaningful consumption of media has been lost, meaningful creation is thus less seen and I then would argue1 that meaningful creation has been lessened.
Writing also allows me to think. I've never been good at writing, would argue that I am currently not "good" at writing (although I am improving), and perhaps will never reach the imaginary bar I set for myself that's always a little out of reach. With that being said however, in some cases I write to think -- even as I sit here typing away on my keyboard, I would compare myself (the writer) not as the captain of a ship but more the captain of an expedition into unknown territory. I don't know where I'm going, I barely have any tools to help me (in case of an unknown threat), and really, I'm just kind of out there processing everything.
Maya Angelou once said (something to the effect of), "People always ask me what I think. Yet I don't know. Until I write, I have no opinion." Perhaps I should take or even adopt this advice.
I think what I wrote above sufficiently answers the why question -- the "Why do I write?" question.
However, to add on, writing is also sharing. Whether that be sharing with you, dear reader -- whether you are a friend, an avid reader, or simply future me reading back on my own writings, I hope that the things I write and write about are gripping enough to get you to take action. Any action. As action is better than inaction.
There is a saying that 'A dull pencil and piece of paper can outlast any memory.' And I have a lot of thoughts -- some good some bad. If writing is a way to store thoughts, it makes sense then that I write to store down those interesting, unique, and personal thoughts that I hope can be of assistance to someone else (in their life, in getting them to do work, in getting them to think, etc.).
Should I write? Unequivocally.
When should I write?
This is a question that I currently and probably will continue to grapple with. I've put in my calendar to try to write something at least once a week, yet by nature, I simply write when I want to write (case in point -- today is a Thursday). In this way, the markings on my calendar (see below) function as reminders2 rather than as "mandates".
In sum, writing good. I like write, I think write good - both for me and you, and ultimately, it is in some way fulfilling and allows me to rest knowing I am doing something in the world.3
Cheers. Happy writing.
I hope to write a few more posts like this -- posts that examine a topic and the nature/different dynamics of each topic. Originally, I was going to do many more on playing the college game, but by this point, I don't know.
Oh also, I would encourage you to reply (this is a mailto link) if you want to agree, disagree, or share something.