I write to encourage people. I hope I’m able to share something someone relates to, spurring them toward the next steps they’re considering.

I write to share my story. My life is nothing grand, but there is value in the daily. I don’t want to miss the small details, whether I experience them as good or bad.

I write for accountability. People who know me well will call me out if they see discrepancies between what I’m writing and living.

I write to give context. I have some littles in my life I love a lot, and I want them to know me well. What I write stays long after I’m gone. and even if I’m here for a long time, my writing helps them know periods of time we didn’t share.

I write to express creativity. My mind needs the challenge. Writing can be frustrating at times, but it also releases toxins as I work through life’s daily struggles or find ways to capture the beauty of a moment.

I write to connect. I’m often surprised by someone’s casual comment of, “I was reading your post and I thought…” I get to learn more about someone, and we get to engage in conversation that can encourage or challenge us.

I write for discipline, which doesn’t mean I’m a disciplined writer. I’ve enjoyed seasons I can daily write, but when in a different season, taking an observation and turning it into a posted story or reflection regulates me.

I write to process. Life moves quickly at times, and pausing to put words to experiences helps me reflect on what is valuable, what I’ve learned, and what baggage I need to unpack.

I write because it is part of who I am.