I write because sometimes it’s just too complicated to tell anything to anyone. I write because, in my darkest days, I do not even feel like seeing anyone–let alone talking to them. I write because I think people won’t understand. I write because I don’t think I can fully trust anyone. I write because I think people won’t be so nice or approving. I write because I think people would try too hard to be nice and approving.
I write because, in my teenage years, I learned that my knuckles would hurt if I punch the wall. That instead of getting sympathy, my parents would simply scold me for breaking things or throwing my stuff away. That to swear and curse from the top of my lungs, I needed to go to a jungle or a mountain so nobody would hear me, but I couldn’t travel that far. That cutting myself sounded like an intriguing idea to play with, but I could never get myself to do it. I write because, at the time, I didn’t have whatever it takes to run away–both mentally and physically.
There were times in my early 20s when I envied my friends who could run away to other cities/countries, drowned themselves in sexual adventures, went to wild parties and got wasted, tried out drugs of a different kind, or showed everyone the scars they inflicted on themselves in an attempt to ‘feel’ again. There were times when I looked at them and wished I could do that, too.
But I didn’t.
Instead, I wrote.
***
I write because the pages are simply being there. They are not talking back, they are not giving any advice, they are not offering words of comfort, they are not judging. They are simply being there in their blankness, waiting for my pen to vomit the chaos of my thoughts and feelings. They never flinched no matter how dark, mean, or depressing those thoughts and feelings turned out to be. Sometimes, my handwriting is tiny and neat and round, other times thin and messy and sharp, other times huge and bold and wet with tears. But the pages are still there–even when they get damp, torn, crumpled, thinned, or worn out; they stay.
PHOTO BY CLARADEVI HANDRIATMADJA.
I write because, at the time, it was the only thing I can do. I write because it was the cheapest and safest way to express myself: my sadness, my anger, my hatred, as well as my secret wishes, my dreams… my love. I write because when things get hard, writing gives me an outlet to empty my mind (and my heart) for a while. I write because only by doing so, I can transfer the revolving and revolting thoughts in my mind into the pages of my journal, name it, recognize it, pinpoint it, then lock it in a drawer and give it a safe ‘distance’. I write because I can reread those words a few hours later, nine days later, nine weeks later, nine months later, or nine years later, and feel different each time; noticing how much I have grown and how much I have learned. I write because that’s the one thing I know to see the many sides of me and finally understand who I really am–and who I really want to be (even when nobody is looking).
***
Different people in all walks of life choose different outlets to cope with different kinds of things. It just happens that I choose writing. And I’m thankful for writing, too, has chosen me.
39 Responses
I can mysteriously relate. Wonderfully written.
Thank you!
You said it best.. “…waiting for my pen to vomit the chaos of my thoughts and feelings.”
I guess, this is the sole reason why most people started to write. Deep down, unknowingly, they–including me–felt at peace inside those blank pages.
sometimes I think I am darn lucky for being able to find a piece of solace in a simple act of writing.
Writing because we love diaries! 😀
How many diaries do you keep? I have 13 until now!
And I thank God you wrote those inspiring writings, very touching
thank you!
They say, only a writer can understand another. This hits so close to home. Great post!
🙂 glad you feel that way, Maricel! 🙂
As always your words got me right at the heart! So adorable and yet relatable :’)
thank you! :’)
dan saya merasakan hal yang sama 🙂
suka postingannya..itulah yang dialami setiap penulis..
ah. semoga kamu juga menemukan kedamaian lewat menulis, ya 🙂
Reblogged this on Taqwil's Weblog and commented:
Kenapa saya menulis?
Glad i found this from a friend. You got it right. The whole time. Here’s to many more to come. Cheers.
cheers! 🙂
Bouncing back from blog sulking, it’s refreshing to bump on your post. Honest. Motivating. Inspiring.
Then, I pause and ponder, “WHY I WRITE?”
Why did I stopped?
The longer I linger in dilly-dallying, the shorter my chance to keep the words rolling.
It’s about time! 🙂
KUDOS!
Let’s write again! 🙂 And thanks so much for leaving your beautiful trace.
Yeah! 😀 I’ll post my entry today. Thanks for the inspiration!
Yaaay!
Reblogged this on Curly Bookworm and commented:
Bouncing back from blog sulking, it’s refreshing to bump on your post. Honest. Motivating. Inspiring.
Then, I pause and ponder, “WHY I WRITE?”
Why did I stopped?
The longer I linger in dilly-dallying, the shorter my chance to keep the words rolling.
It’s about time! 🙂
I even feel like you write about me. Unbelievably relatable 😀
Maybe I did write about you! ;P
I write. Therefore I am. Lovely writing.
Indeed! 🙂
And thanks for the kind words, Nida!
mbak…. aduh… nggak pernah nggak muasyuk lah ya tulisannya 🙂
hai! :’) terima kasih banyak sudah mampir lagi! :*
i really want to reblog this, because i feel so related to the words. but i hold my finger, considering maybe this post is too personal for you to be reblog. 🙂
hi, it’s fine 🙂 when it’s published in this blog, means it’s already public 😀
Nah, setuju banget nih :’ aku pun nulis karena memang ada banyak keluhan yang mungkin aku belum cukup berani buat ngutarain keluhan langsung didepan banyak orang. Ada banyaaak banget alasan kenapa aku nulis, dan tulisan Mbaknya ini udah menjadi jawabannya :3
i stopped writing because i felt all that needs to be said have been said enough. i stopped writing because my thoughts and feelings today are no different than what it used to be yesterday and i was certain it will still be the same tomorrow. i stopped writing because the questions i used to express have already been answered. and somehow the journey has ended.
i truly adore writers.
they sustain immortality in their speech. and enthusiasm.
in their words.
while the rest of us will die in oblivion.
so be inspirational. good deeds will travel far into decades.
especially the kindest speech.
@akuh – beautiful as ever… I wish you’ll be writing again. I adore your words.
I just found this weblog and all I can say is WOW. Your writing is just stunningly beautiful and inspiring. Can’t have enough of them. Keep going ma’am. 🙂
Sam
Sometimes i go to thingsI’v written years ago and I can see the improvement in my life and thats feels great. Writing is awesome! This piece is poetry
This is so true! Truly inspiring. It’s like looking in the mirror.