Why Do We Write?
How do you describe what is indescribable?
That is the task I’ve laid out in this document; a manifesto. No amount of words, poetry, or stories could ever express genuine emotion, but we can try.
I remember watching a movie when I was a kid called Sister Act 2. While not an amazingly well-acted film, there was one line that I’ve always remembered.
“If you wake up in the mornin’ and you can’t think of anything but singin’ first…then you’re supposed to be a singer girl.”
From when I was a child, I knew I had a way with words. My friends always said I was a great listener and storyteller. That positive reinforcement caused me to join theater in high school and earn a BA in Communication Studies at the University of North Texas. Later in life, I became a Customer Support Manager. Now, my job is to listen to people and help them find the right path.
There are many paths we can take in life. Some are harder than others, and some are more rewarding, but we can either swim against the stream or with it. Either way, we are moving down a rushing river toward the waterfall. So you better enjoy the journey.
When I asked some of my colleagues in my Taoist circles if they wanted to help me write for Medium, they asked, “Aren’t we supposed to be sitting here amongst ourselves and contemplating the mysteries of the universe?” While meditation, training, and being out in nature are absolutely part of the process, they can’t be the ONLY part.
Growing up in a Christian church, it became apparent that we would be happier if new members didn’t join. We liked how we were, and we didn’t like change. So, we sat in our building, sang songs, and held hands. But what comes naturally to me isn’t just sitting here. It’s among everyone’s voices. Listening, reading, and, most importantly…sharing.
This is why I write
This is why I created my Medium account and continue to write daily. It’s why I comment, clap, subscribe, and share on social media. So it’s why we all should.
I will not sit by and watch my life pass me by. Even if I wanted to retreat to live in the woods, I’d still be doing what I wanted and what I love.
Being in harmony with nature doesn’t mean sitting still and doing nothing. Instead, it means doing what comes naturally to me.
Every day I wake up, and I can’t think about anything else but writing.
I am a Writer.
Thank you for reading! If you want to learn more about Patrick or follow his work, please see his website, buy him a coffee, or become a Patron. You can also follow him on Mastodon.