Why Do You Write?

Those who have been eminent in philosophy, politics, poetry, and the arts have all had tendencies toward melancholia.

— Aristotle

Why do you write? Have you ever think about it? Why are you on this platform? What made you bear your soul, your feelings, all your emotions into words and let strangers read it?

We all know it takes courage to write, but it takes so much more to put yourself out there, here—with your thoughts. Are they genuine? Are you being honest with your words? Or are they filtered? Do you only write what you think people would like to read? Do you only write for yourself?

I think it’s amazing how words can make you vulnerable and strong at the same time.

You see, I have lots of thoughts about why I write, and I know I am not the only one. Then it hit me, this is why I write—because I am not the only one.

I write to tell my story. So, what does it have to do with you? I still believe that people do care. When we write these thoughts and emotions down, there will always be someone who will feel what exactly it is like to be in the same situation and you may give them the impression that no matter how cliche it is, they are not alone.

I hope my words reach you.

Though, not everyone understands where you are coming from all the time.

Being emphatic is different from being sympathetic. As a writer, we tell stories, but as a reader, where do we belong? As a reader, do you understand or do you feel the writer? A friend always tells me, knowing is different from feeling.

Last week, I got a new article up on Thought Catalog. I try to make my articles there really hopeful or encouraging somehow. I write those words that I want to hear and I want myself to believe in.

I shared it on my Instagram story and created a poll asking if my followers like it. There were about two people who said no. Hear, hear. Not everyone will like our crafts but for it to be there, like downright no—it doesn’t lessen the impact of hurt; of feeling that I am lacking in writing. (I know I am, there is still a long way to go).

I wonder if they’ve really read it or they just based their judgment on the title: This Is How You Live With Sadness. I realized, people would not like to read something sad. Why would you live with sadness, right? Happiness is a choice, right? There is so much more in the context, though.

But, this is me. I don’t write to please people. I write to reach out. Writing is my catharsis. I am back writing sad pieces because it is how I feel and I can’t sugar coat it or tell things otherwise. This is how it is.

I realized that this is how I really write. I just used to hide them in verses, in poetry. I tried to cover up my current life situations by doing my random favorites. Looking back, what message did it convey?

This personal blog will be the documentation of each moment I go through—good and bad.

I actually lost two followers here as well. I realized maybe this is where and how the stigma begins. It is not like people want to dismiss your feelings, maybe they just think that reading sad posts won’t do them any good.

Maybe it annoys them, like, ah here she goes again with her misery. Really, I am annoyed at myself, too – but please know I did not choose this. I can always choose to be happy but I did not choose this.

If we have to talk about this sad part […] how much truth can I get off my chest?

I think it was last year when I started to be too honest about my mental state and my feelings. Until now, I am not sure if that is a good idea.

It is also why I stopped posting in a while. 8 days might be short for you and you probably did not notice I was gone here but that’s probably the longest time I’ve gone hiatus since I set goals for my post count. But, I had that eureka moment and I am writing it now.

I write for people who go through the same thing. I am here to tell you it is different for everyone, but we did not choose this. Please, do not beat yourself too much. I am not here to tell you ‘I understand’ or that ‘I know’ but I am here to tell you that yes, I feel it, too. Immensely.

I am not here to tell you to go out, enjoy the sun, and exercise to get your blood flowing. I am here to tell you that you did not choose to wake up on the wrong side of the bed, and you definitely did not choose the cloud that rains on you the moment you open your eyes. We did not choose this, but we can do something about it.

I am not here to tell you to find happiness in little things because I know that that is exactly what you are trying to do every single day. I am here to tell you that you did not choose the emptiness inside you; you did not choose to feel this way.

I am here to tell you that you are doing good in controlling your breaths; to tell you that you are strong enough to take a step forward. We have a long way to go, but let us walk towards there together. Let me hold your hand.

I write to tell people the truth and this is my truth.

This is our truth. We did not choose this. Our emotions are valid. We are not ungrateful, and it is not about us lacking faith as you claim it to be. This is so much more than what you think. This is so much more than anxiety. This is not just being sad.

This is our truth, and we are scared.

I am scared. I prefer feeling so I panic when I feel detached. It just happens. I don’t want to talk to anyone—even my family and the friends I value the most. It is scary knowing that you are surrounded by the people who love you but you are just not there. I call it my blank mood. I am just like suspended in the air. When it happens, I write. I write until there are no more words left in me.

Maybe that is why I like the quote “I was within and without, simultaneously enchanted and repelled by the inexhaustible variety of life” from The Great Gatsby. It feels like it, I am here and I am not. It does not go away after panic attacks subside. Some days are better than the others, but it does not completely go away.

It is scary. We did not choose this switch that magically turns on; it knows no time and it happens anywhere.

But, the fact that we are still here… please know that we are really trying. Please know that you do not have to understand if it does not make sense to you but please do not think less of us. Please know that most of the times, it does not make sense to us, either.

We did not choose this. We still don’t know how creativity, sadness and madness all come together. It is just how it is.

I write to keep my calm and my sanity.

I write because I want my voice to be heard; for my voice to be louder than the screams inside my head.

I am suicidal but in the grey area so you should not worry about me. I just want to write this because that is what I do – I write.

I do not intend to pass on the negativity or the sadness or whatever you feel when you read this. Happiness is a choice, right? Choose it.

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Thank you for being here.
If my words reach you somehow,
I hope you can support me
by donating either
through Ko-Fi or Paypal.

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[Featured Image from Leandro Chianetta Photography.
Screenshots and words on photos are from Burn the Stage: Episode 6]