Writing is tricky. Out of so many words and so many languages, you have to choose the right ones. And as if that wasn’t hard enough, you have to string them together in a logical order and make them actually mean something.

So why do it?

Why go through all that trouble when you can probably use that time to do something better? I mean, we all only have so much time. We have jobs, school, private lives. How do you fit all of that, plus writing, into your life?

Well, I think writing is worth it. Words have the power to impact someone, for better or for worse. They hold power, power that often goes unrecognized.

So how much power do words really hold?

Writing is everywhere.

Let’s face it, writing is everywhere in your life whether you like it or not. Think about the words calling to you from advertisements, or bland truth slapping you in the face when you read the newspaper.

Or think of the people and places that come alive when you read books, both fiction and non-fiction.

So if writing is everywhere, then wouldn’t it be super handy to have a good grip on it? Even if writing isn’t your strong suit, I’d highly recommend honing the skill as best you can. Because even if you don’t end up writing fiction or poetry, you can still use the skill in other aspects of life. Think emails, reports, anything that requires sentences and words.

Writing isn’t just a pile of words. It tries to influence, tries to inform, and it tries to create images in your mind. And that’s just the beginning.

Writing can help you express yourself.

The thing about writing is that it’s really, really flexible. You can spill out your thoughts and feelings anywhere you want and however you want.

Lots of people like to journal. But other ways you could express yourself include songwriting, poetry, flash fiction. I mean, writing is an art, right? So it’s totally okay to talk to the paper in your own way.

Just like artists develop their own unique art styles, writers can develop their own writing styles. It just comes through heaps of practice and patience 🙂

Writing can change people.

Writing can make a huge difference to so many lives. An encouraging quote could brighten someone’s day. A particularly persuasive speech could rally a crowd that wholeheartedly agrees with your message.

But at the same time, words can hurt as well as build up – although I’m sure you already know that. A letter written out of hate could bring down someone’s self-esteem. A spiteful comment could make someone lose hope in humanity. There’s so much power just waiting to be unleashed.

If you have a message to share, something you feel strongly about, the words are there. You have just as much access to them as I do or anyone else. The challenge is to use them effectively and use them wisely.

So what’s the point?

My point, friend, is that writing has power. And if it’s used everywhere, it could be useful to be relatively good at it.

Write wisely, write well, and write to change the world. Because who knows, someone could read an article you penned that moves them to a bigger awareness of the issue you discussed. Or maybe a short story you write could touch someone and encourage them. A poem could serve to inspire someone.

And that’s why I think writing is worth all the time, the trouble, and the effort.

Back to you!

Why do you write?

Do you think writing is worth the time and effort?

What are your thoughts on the power of words?

Comment below!