Writing calms me, excites me and drives me to places beyond all imagining. When I'm sad, I write, When I'm angry, I write. When I'm full of gratitude and happiness, I write. I receive satisfaction when I've finished a poem or a story. I feel accomplished. Words on a page, my words, are special.
Storytelling has always been something I enjoy. I found my love of writing when I was young and I'm thankful for the encouragement I received to continue to write both in school and at home. I would slip into another world where everything happened when I said it would. My characters were my best friends and my voice could be heard; no one could squelch it.
I wrote about my family, friends, enemies, crushes, boyfriends, and many times stories about imaginary people and animals. Recently, I began writing about another passion of mine, Deaf Culture. Before college, I hated research, but later realized when I truly wanted to learn more about something, I enjoyed it. Now, I write about everything! Sustainability, health issues, drunk driving and many others, just to name a few.
Many times I turn to a blank page in my journal or post when I'm upset because focusing my energy on something positive instead of negative helps my brain to slow down and relax. For some, they dry their tears with ice cream. Others find solace while running or playing pool. Writing for me gives a sense of purpose. I'm eager to find out what happens in the end because very often, I have no idea!
Communicating my feelings verbally is very difficult for me and I believe that is another reason why I love to write. Often, I will write letters to people if I need to tell them I'm angry with them or if I want to say, "Sorry." Getting my emotions all out on paper is so much easier and the words become clearer. When I talk through my anger, my words are choppy and make no sense. I don't want to say something I don't mean so instead I go to a piece of paper first and write until everything is out. Then I breathe. On paper I can erase mean words or spiteful things, but once you voice it, there's no going back. No matter how many times you apologize, he/she will remember what you said.
Writing is a passion I know will never die because it's the first and last thing on my mind. I love how it envelops and comforts me. It's what makes me, Ruth E. Jackson. Finding your passion can be tough. I was blessed to find mine early in life.
So, what flows through your veins?