5 Reasons Why I Love to Write

Just write every day of your life. Read intensely. Then see what happens. (Ray Bradbury)

I have been falling in love with writing since I was a fourth grader. I still remember how proud I was when I stated “WRITER” as my professional career in the future. Well, I did not say that only to be different or be claimed as anti-mainstream. I definitely meant it. 

I knew most of children would have mentioned doctors, teachers, presidents, entrepreneurs, engineers, or even astronauts when they were asked about their dreams. Of course those were absolutely fine, but I just did not feel they were the right choices for me. I truly wished I could be a professional writer someday. Thank God, I once did.

I finally achieved what I always wanted to be, eventhough not as an author of the best-selling books or a fiction writer. I was a journalist. I wrote many articles and stories about arts and cultures, which I really loved.

And thank God (again), I grew up in a family who were very supportive to me. My mother, who passed away almost a year ago (I miss you, Mom), always understood what I wanted and needed. She was the one who kept reminding me what I wanted to be in the future: to be a writer.

She was the one who suggested me to take language and literature class rather than science (at that time I was about to attend science class just because a few good friends were doing so). My mom also supported me all the way by providing the books I needed, driving me to any language courses or writing club, or just a little support like asking what I was going to write or how was my day in writing club.

My dad? Of course he was also my big supporter. I was inspired by some of his literary works, eventhough he was neither a professional nor a famous writer. Dad was just a banker who loved writing poetry or children stories. An amateur one, for sure. Despite of that, I really loved the way he wrote, his creativity was just awesome! I wish he would still keep his “masterpiece.”

My dad also collected some poetry and literary books written by famous author, both local and international ones, as well as encyclopaedias, Islamic books, journals, or magazines. I enjoyed reading them, eventhough sometimes I, who was just a fourth grader at that time, did not fully understand what these were all about.

Okay, enough with the stories…

Well, all I am trying to say is I love to write. Since my childhood era until today. Like the one who is in love with his/her beau, sometimes it’s hard to explain why I do love it. But I try to find out the reasons why I love to write. Here are some of them.

1. I love to write because I feel relieved. Writing really soothes me.

Everybody has their own ways to comfort themselves and writing is one of my best ways to feel relaxed. I feel happy, calm, and free when I write. Indeed, writing really soothes me.

2. I love to write because it is the best way to express myself.

Writing is the way to express my ideas and thoughts better than speaking. I was a journalist, yes that is true. But I don’t think I’m good enough in public speaking. I’d rather write than talk.

3. I love to write because this is the best me-time version of mine.

Yes, I can spend hours only to write before bed –and I always enjoy it! Writing process is such a great experience for me. It is fun.

4. I love to write because it is such a good feeling to know people will be inspired or be touched after reading my posts or articles.

The power of words! I can’t describe how happy  I am if my posts or articles can touch or inspire other people.  For example, when I wrote a review about travel destination in my country, like this post (In Bahasa Indonesia), Sejenak Menjauh dari Hiruk-Pikuk Kota di Finna Golf & Country Club Resort Prigen, people will have a great vacation idea and inspiration. And of course, it’s such a good feeling to know my review will be useful for others.

5. The last but not least, I love to write simply because I love it.

What else should I say? I just love it. It is my passion and is natural. I can’t describe how much I love to write. I. just. love. it. Period.

Exercise the writing muscle every day, even if it is only a letter, notes, a title list, a character sketch, a journal entry. Writers are like dancers, like athletes. Without that exercise, the muscles seize up. (Jane Yolen)