Why I write: it’s all about the connection

This was originally published on Get To It:
I write.
I write, because sometimes I need to give myself a pep talk. I do it through writing, and I feel much better when I get to the end of a piece.
We all need reassurance, and writing is that outlet for me. It reassures me that there is a lot right with the world even though there are days when it doesn’t seem that way. There are beautiful pieces of evidence of it in our own backyards. If we just look for it, it’s there.
No, really, it’s there. I was picking tomatoes and peppers today, and I saw my neighbor Phoebe across the alley working with her herbs. I hollered over and asked if she wanted any of the tomatoes or peppers I just picked. We did some trading, but more importantly I just had a chance to talk with one of my neighbors.
When we parted ways, she said, “Don’t be a stranger.”
We all need that human contact. We need to feel a connection to others.
I write because of that connection. By blogging on my website, Medium, The Ascent, Billfold Notes, and Fit Yourself Club, I’ve been able to connect with people all over the world. Some of them have subscribed to GTI Wednesday, my weekly newsletter. When you get to connect with people near and far, it’s humbling and overwhelming, but it also shrinks the world. It doesn’t seem so big.
I write, because if my words resonate with even one person, then that’s enough. My writing has done its job. It allows me to think and feel and love. My words typed say it so much better than the words that stumble out of my mouth. If I can’t show my gratitude, appreciation, and heart in person, writing is the next best thing.
I write when I feel my highest highs, lowest lows, and all points in between. Sharing with others brings out their highs and lows. We laugh, we cry, we vent, and we sigh. All because writing opens the door and lets us walk through.
I think I hear a knock right now.

