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A Time to Write

Posted in: Blog by amy on November 25, 2016

I’ve been writing since I was a child. Whenever I was trying to figure something out or trying to explain the unexplainable, I would write. The first poem I ever wrote was about the meaning of life. At the age of 12, I wrote that “we are all like seashells on the beach, waiting for a big wave to wash us away.” Nice, light thoughts for a pre-teen! The challenging and confusing times have always sent me directly to a journal or to a computer. Yet, for the last several weeks, I have been very quiet. There has been a palpable and intense energy in the air with this year’s most volatile, ridiculous, upsetting election. And, also, this is this time of year that is particularly tough for me as it is when my father and my best friend died. So, I’ve sat back and stayed away from my own creative, dark thoughts. And, I realized something that was very reassuring to me: Everyone else around me has been writing. People who never comment on Facebook or share thoughts have suddenly unleashed their repressed passions. While many people are exhaustedly and unhappily skimming through everyone’s rants, I must admit that I’ve been absorbing every crazy, passion-filled word. forblog2

It has been said that today’s students are not learning the skill of writing. That concerns me because it is through writing that many of us have the ability to express ourselves and feel free to unleash the most creative thoughts that lurk in our minds. But, the critical truth is this: We have a powerful voice through our words. Sitting back and saying nothing can be a very dangerous act. While people alienate some friends when they spew free thoughts about politics or religion, they also are using their influential voices. And, more importantly, they are showing that they care. What are we doing here if we are not using our passions and our ideas and our strengths to hopefully better ourselves and this world?

Many people believe that they are unable to write. But, that’s okay. Don’t write then — read instead. Have a reaction. Pay attention. CARE. I am encouraged to see so many people stepping up to share their controversial thoughts with their friends, their families and even with strangers. It is not easy, and it makes us feel vulnerable. But, even if it incites anger or gets you a lot of “dislikes,” it is something that should be continued.  for-blog

We spend enough time taking the perfect selfies and posting pictures of our dogs. I am grateful to also see people sharing that they are angry and scared or that they are hopeful and excited. We are awakening to what is happening around us, and that is what is important. I am less scared about the state of our nation and of our world when I see that so many people are writing, sharing, talking, yelling and caring. Our voices are powerful. I am so grateful for those who are writing and sharing, for those who are motivated to make a change and for those who will have an impact on our world.



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