i write only because there is a voice within me that will not be stilled.

Writing is one of my oldest friends. It has been there during all sorts of ups and downs. It is a place where I can work through my feelings, find comfort, and feel less alone. I remember when I was younger, there were all sorts of binders and notebooks filled with my endless scribbles. Some days, my hands could not seem to write fast enough. I miss that feeling. Though writing is still a beloved companion, the words don't always flow as easily as they used to. Somewhere along the line, I became hypercritical of my work, of my words, and of myself. What I wrote never seemed good enough. I started to write self-consciously. Timid. Afraid. Small. the creation of beauty is art. has become a place where I can push past that fear and write with more ease. As for my other creative pursuits, like books and short stories and poetry, that is a little more hit and miss. 

Some of my New Year's Resolutions this year were focused on writing. Some examples? To finally finish the rough draft of the book that I have been working on for several years. To write more poetry. To journal more. To write for fun more often. Though there were several writing related resolutions, the overall goal was simply to write more. It can be difficult to find time for those creative hobbies between work and family and household responsibilities. At the end of a long day, it is so much easier to sit in front of the television or to read a book rather than create something new. So, my focus has been on sprinkling writing into my days instead of waiting for everything to be done to start. That sometimes looks like pausing the task that I am working on to write a poem when inspiration hits. Sometimes it looks like starting off my day with a writing prompt or jotting down ideas for another chapter. Despite some recent setbacks (with a loved one having health issues, my schedule and emotions have been all over the place)...I feel good about the progress that has been made towards many of these resolutions. 

One of my closest friends once said, "I don't always love writing, but I always love having written." I keep that quote close to my heart these days. Sometimes, the words flow with ease and emotion. Other days, it is harder to express what needs to be expressed. That quote reminds me that even when the process is a challenge, the result is worth it. Writing is always worth it.

You have the itch for writing born in you.

It's quite incurable. 

What are you going to do with it?

- Lucy Maud Montgomery 

What do you like to write? Are there any hobbies you are trying to focus on this year?