Why Do I Write?

"Why do you write?" Someone asked me this question once again , but before I rattled off my standard answer from a previous blog, I stopped. Now that I am in college, has my answer changed? A few years ago, this was my answer:

"As a high school student, I am old enough to know a little bit about who I am, and what I want to do. I am a dreamer, and have big plans when I leave high school. But what about now? I can't drive, I can't vote, I still have to ask permission to go to the restroom! That doesn't mean that school is a prison, or that I don't have a say. I just have to find my own means of doing so.

"I want to be someone that helps others, and really makes a difference in their lives. I became a lifeguard for that reason. Sure, I'm no superman, but at least I can still help others in some small way.  One day, who knows what I'll be, but for now, I just want to be the best at what I do.  I know it isn't much to anyone else, but to me, it's all I have. It's my dream, and I am at least attempting to make the most of it.

"So why do I write? I write to tell my story, to say what I want to say, whether people hear me or not is irrelevant to me. This is my voice, and it may not be much, but it's what I've got, and I want to make the most out of it. I may be young, but I know what's on my mind, and I have a right to express myself. Maybe in 20 years I will look at this and throw it all in the trash. Who knows? But for now, this is a part of me, something that can't be taken away.

"I  hope people enjoy my stories, but I know that I can't please everyone. But that's okay, because my writing is a reflection of who I am, and not everyone will agree with everything I believe. I hope not to offend anyone, and I hope if I do, they say something. Writing is just a way to communicate, but that is a two way street.
So that is all I have to say. I may not be the best writer, but I'm learning. And I may not have a lot to say, but  that's okay too. I'll say what I need to say, and that's about it. If you know me, you will see me in my writing, because it is a part of me just like lifeguarding, and my life dreams. If you don't know me, and my writing is all you have to learn anything about me, I hope you don't get the wrong impression. But either way, my words are just a mirror of their writer, and I try to only reflect the truth. I hope, if nothing else, I accomplish that."

The second paragraph explains it all. I like to help people.  I think my goal, however, has changed in a way it shouldn't have. You see, most of my writing has been Facebook posts with friends to improve my self-image, and that isn't helping anyone. I wanted to entertain and impress people, and that isn't cool. I said I would try to reflect only the truth, but I think that on Facebook, we reflect things in Fun House mirrors. I don't want to play that game anymore. I want to be completely real with others.

The last paragraph struck a chord with me too, as last night, I realized something else: I do hope to offend someone. I hope that my words have enough of an impact to make people uncomfortable, and I hope they respond to my words. I hope that I can push people beyond their comfort zone, and use my words to inspire and challenge others.  I hope to persuade, inform, entertain, and inspire others, and maybe cause a significant impact within my community.

So perhaps my goal for writing has changed, but I believe, it is a change for the better. I will be writing on a weekly basis, and during my time on this blog, I hope that I can inspire one action, challenge one idea, or entertain one person. If any of my posts have succeeded in this, I have accomplished my goal.