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I Write, Therefore I Am

Filed Under: BLOG, One Word Challenge, Writing/Blogging Tagged With: , ,

Still dark as night out, as I roll over from my recent slumber, but don’t stay there long. As my eyes adjust to the little light that is this morning for the first time in hours, I am possessed and my mind is working over time with thoughts of what I want to write.

I do what comes oh so naturally to me by rolling back over, swiping my iPhone on, open up my notepad and the sweet release of words come pouring out of me once again.

If you are a writer then you might get this, but if you aren’t then you might very well be shaking your head as to why I would forgo sleep (especially if you are like me and not a morning person) to drain my head of all my thoughts.

Someone very wise (I think when they read this they will know who they are), once mentioned that in order to be a writer, you have to keep on writing.

So, that is what I do as am vigorously typing away all my current thoughts to hopefully be read soon.

But still others might still be questioning this.

I write, therefore I am.

I write, therefore I am

Essentially, I couldn’t fake this if I tried and why would I want to?

Yet, still the happiest time will find me scrawling my pondering reflections – morning, noon or night.

The pessimist is probably still looking for more of a reason.

For me – this is the one thing that is truly mine no questions asked.

However, it is this and still so much more.

I write…To simply remember it all.

I write…For family who read, support me proudly always.

I write…For loyal friends/readers who continually return for more over and over.

I write…For new readers/moms who possibly will stumble upon my writing in the future and find that they aren’t alone.

I write…To make an honest living doing what I do best and love.

I write, therefore I am – morning, noon and night!

[clickToTweet tweet=”Why do you write? #WhyIWrite” quote=”Why do you write? #WhyIWrite” theme=”style1″]

This post was originally written for the One Word Blog Linkup that is hosted by Lisa of The Golden Spoons and yours truly, too.

The words for that week were: Morning or Secret. 

I also linked this up to Finish the Sentence Friday and Kristi answering the sentence: “I write because…”

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About Janine

Janine is a published author of the books, The Mother of All Meltdowns and Only Trollops Shave Above the Knee. She has been featured on The Huffington Post, Mamapedia, Today Parenting Team and SheKnows. She also runs her own graphic design company at J9 Designs.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Bev says

    Beautiful post, Janine! I write for many of the same reasons as you. And I finished today’s post at 4:45 this morning! (Though I had not intended to wake up so early…woops!)

    • Janine says

      Nellie, I know writing is such a therapy for me, too. I truly couldn’t imagine not doing it, as it is like breathing to me now!

  3. Cynthia says

    Even when I run out of steam and can’t sit at a computer any more (because I write so much for school) I still love to write! I get it. I am up this morning before heading to work thinking about writing. 🙂

    • Janine says

      Cyndi, I love that you get it, too and seriously writing is truly always on my mind here! Have a great day now 😉

  4. Alexa says

    It’s somewhat of an addiction. Writing is like breathing for me. I have to do it. Until my eyes can’t focus any more!! That’s why I was up at 5am working on writing projects!
    xoxo

    • Janine says

      Alexa, I just said this to Nellie and couldn’t agree more, writing is most definitely like breathing to me. And I was up at 5:30 here on my note pad yet again this morning, too!! xoxo 😉

  5. Seana Turner says

    And you write so very well, Janine. I’m not a writer by nature, but I can tell that many of your bloggers are. It’s a privilege to be let into your minds and share your thoughts!

    • Janine says

      Aw, Seana thank you so much and I think you are a great writer, too and so very much enjoy reading your blog, as well! 😉

  6. Liza Hawkins says

    You have to really, really love writing to be a writer (that seems obvious, I know). I find that folks who don’t love it have a really hard time understanding how I can spend SO much time doing it, when I have a full time job too!

  7. Meredith says

    My writing is therapy for me, so I completely get this! Many things about blogging becomes stressful, but the part that is always a delight is emptying out your heart with words. Well said, Janine!

    • Janine says

      Thank you Meredith and I know the blogging aspect can be insane at times, but the writing and pouring my heart out into it is pure magic to me, too!! 😉

  9. Tamara says

    i write, therefore I am – feel the same way. And I am not a morning person either, but if thoughts are in my head in the middle of the night I will get up and start wrtiting

  10. Amanda @ Growing Up Madison says

    I used to love writing but have noticed that I am loving it less and less. I am however a morning person and I’m usually up by 4:30am. It’s my last day in the army since I retire today and I’m hoping that I’ll be able to sleep until at least 6:30am from now on. I love reading your posts because I know you love writing them so maybe I’m now more of a reader than a writer. 🙂

    • Janine says

      Aw, congrats for today and wishing you only the best now that your stay in the army is over and done with it!! 😉

  11. Robin (Masshole Mommy) says

    Oh I can totally relate. When the thought comes, you need to get it out.

  12. Jhanis says

    I write because it has become a release for me. To de-stress supposedly but then I stress out whenever I have nothing new! LOL Also, like you, I write to remember.

    Just think about it! Us, old, with kids in college or married already, and we read stuff we wrote on our blogs from when our kids were still small. I just wish I don’t get Alzheimer’s and end up criticizing my own parenting ways. ” Well, this Jhanis is such a louse writer AND parent!!” Hahahaha

    • Janine says

      Jhanis, you just made me laugh out loud! The kids are still sleeping, so I am happy I didn’t wake them though LOL!! But seriously, like you I love that I have so much of this time written down and hope that my girls will read it when they get older so they can get a glimpse into this time of our lives 😉

  13. Dara says

    sometimes my writing stays in my head and won’t go onto the page – that’s when I don’t know whether or not I’m a writer. I always wanted to be one though!

  15. Kristen says

    I write to heal – and as a creative outlet. I think we all need that – it’s almost like an online journal isn’t it?

    • Janine says

      Dana, do you know how many times I am in the shower and get an ideal! Seriously, I have jumped on quickly on more the one occasion to get my thoughts down, too 😉

  17. Amanda Rodriguez says

    I write all day, and usually well past my bedtime. Sometimes because I have to for work, sometimes because I have to for sanity. Been doing it a lot on my couch lately and my chiropractor is not happy!

  18. Bill says

    You know me. Obviously I loved this description of why a writer writes. Beautiful work…my favorite of your blog efforts in recent months. Have a superb Wednesday, Janine.

    • Janine says

      Aw, thank you Bill and I seriously love these prompts to stretch my writing wings that much more. Happy Wednesday once again, my friend!! 🙂

  19. Chris Carter says

    Oh do I get this Janine!!! I can’t tell you how many times I stay up through the night writing because I MUST. Or the days when I drop everything to write- or can’t drop things to write and I buzz all day ready to explode!! It’s in us. And what a glorious gift it is!!

  20. Linda Roy says

    My son has to get up ridiculously early for high school and so instead of going back to bed once he gets on the bus, I get my cup of coffee and come up to my office to write. I love it. The house is quiet, it’s still dark outside and I can think without distractions.

    • Janine says

      Linda, I love that quiet, peaceful time in the morning when it is just me writing. Seriously, the best part of my day, too!

  22. Jessica D'Pirate says

    I love this. I feel like a majority of my writing is done through social media, but otherwise I have notebooks and pens everywhere for random moments when a thought just needs to GET OUT. My husband sees the crickets on my blog and questions my writer-ness, but I feel like I write absolutely everywhere else.

    • Confessions of A Mommyaholic says

      Jessica, I totally have had my moments where my blog was the last place I actually wrote it down, but now I feel like I can’t be stopped. So that empowers me so much and just love that you do have notebooks and pens everywhere, because it doesn’t matter where we necessarily write, but that we do! 🙂

  23. Marcia @ Blogitudes says

    Writing is something I have to do as well, Janine. And like you, I tend to lose a lot of sleep-time over it. I work an afternoon/night shift and don’t get home until midnight five nights a week. I’ll often stay up until 3AM or so writing, and will then be up at 8AM or earlier the following day to write some more before returning to work. Yes, I’m quite often tired … but I’m happy. Writing plays such a vital role in my life. When I don’t do it, I feel sad and unfulfilled. I’ll take tired and happy and writing over sad and unfulfilled any day of the week. 😀

    • Janine says

      Marcia, you are speaking my language and would definitely rather be tired and happy from writing over being sad and unfulfilled any day of the week here, too! 😉

  25. Kelly L McKenzie says

    How I envy you. Not that you write first thing – well that is very cool – but that you can just grab the phone, open notebook and type. I have to now get on my glasses before I do anything. Ten years ago? Easy peasy. But now – the act of getting those glasses on is a challenge. Why? Because I always misplace the damn things. I wont say lost. They aren’t lost. They are just misplaced. They could be anywhere in my house. Yes, I’ve got other pairs but they too are misplaced. Wish I could blame it on the leprechauns but that only works for about one week a year.
    Happy writing – and seeing – to you.

    • Janine says

      Kelly, I am sure this too shall happen to me at some point and you are right so can’t blame those leprechauns either when it does! 🙂

  26. Kristen Miller Hewitt says

    It is such an incredible commitment these blogs but I’m so glad you DO write!

  28. Denise Scott Geelhart says

    I write because I need to get the words out. I’ve loved writing since I was a girl. I shoved it away for a time, but still kept a journal. When I discovered blogging, I felt a sweet relief and satisfaction that I hadn’t in years. That’s why I write. 🙂

  29. Kenya G. Johnson says

    I can relate too. Though I am a morning person, the first time I usually wake up it is really too early to get out of bed. I may jot something in Notes – like a sentence or phrase that I don’t want to forgot. Though I am a morning person when I wake up like that I prefer sleep 😉 Sometimes i wish my phone was in another room.

    • Janine says

      Kenya, my phone probably be in another room, but still it isn’t and this is what I end up with. I guess I can’t complain though, because some of my best writing has come about this way! 😉

  30. Kim says

    Well, I don’t consider myself a writer but I totally get this post.
    For me it is like running – I run, therefore I am!!!

  31. Meredith Ethington says

    I have written so many blog posts about writing! I went through a really hard experience a little while ago where some family members were really giving me a hard time about my blog posts, and it really made me question it all. I learned in the process that writing is a part of me that is necessary to feel fulfilled. I feel SO blessed to be able to do it…when I don’t find time to write, I’m super grumpy too. 🙂

  32. Allie @ The Latchkey Mom says

    I can relate – and I’m not a morning person either. What I hate is I often get great ideas/thoughts when I’m driving, but they’re gone when I get home:(.

  33. Lisa @ The Golden Spoons says

    I love it and totally agree!! When I start my blog it was all about preserving memories. Now, it is also about the connections and friendships I have made. Once in a while someone tells me that what I wrote made a difference to them – made them smile, made them feel less alone. Those are the reason I keep writing. I don’t think I could stop if I tried!

  34. Janine says

    Christy, that is exactly it, I just can’t relax at times until I get the thoughts out of my mind and written down. Have a wonderful day writing, too!! 😉

  35. Diane Roark says

    Janine,

    You are so good at writing. It is obvious to me that blogging and writing is what you are meant to do. I hope you continue to write forever. I will always be following along to read your adventures.

    Many Blessings,
    Diane Roark

  36. Elaine A. says

    I always wake up with ideas too! That’s why I have a pen and notebook on my nightstand. Some of that writing is hard to read. 😉

    Love this!

  38. Jill Ginsberg says

    It wouldn’t matter to me if nobody read my words, writing makes me feel such a sense of purpose and pride, I’d do no matter what. I also love that when a piece is done, it’s actually done. Unlike, say, laundry.

  39. Jill Ginsberg says

    Writing is my way of hearing myself and then sharing my voice with others. Despite all of my other work accomplishments, this is the one thing I do (aside from parenting) that gives me a feeling of pure satisfaction. Every time I finish a piece I feel as if I’ve left an indelible mark.

  41. Jennifer | The Deliberate Mom says

    I knew I would love this post as soon as I read the title.

    I love to write too. I write for so many reasons… for reflection, for relief, for growth, and for documentation. I write to hopefully help others, make connections, and earn income.

    Thanks for sharing!

    Wishing you a lovely evening.
    xoxo

    • Janine says

      Aw, thanks Jen and I knew you loved writing, too as much as I did from knowing you as much as I do. Have a wonderful evening, as well now 😉

  42. Jack says

    I can relate. I couldn’t stop writing any sooner than I could stop breathing.

    It is a chronicle of thoughts and ideas and a repository of self-diagnosed therapy sessions.

  44. Jennifer Quinn (@JennyQ) says

    Ahhh! I love this!! I am a new writer – and I have found that on most nights I can’t go to sleep until I dump those final thoughts into my smartphone, usually in prose, but not always. And usually not very good – but I do it for ME. YES! Writing is truly the one thing that is yours and yours alone, isn’t it? Great post. Loved it. 🙂

  45. Jeannine Ulasich Eubanks says

    I have solved a lot of my own problems by writing about them. Strangely, it helps me organize my thoughts so they’re not a jumbly mess inside my head.

  46. Rosey says

    My husband will stay up to all hours of the night writing sometimes. He doesn’t do it for a living, but he would if he thought it would pay the bills.

  47. Gary Mathews says

    I find that writing is free therapy, and while I don’t make any claim to be “good” it has helped me out tremendously the past year going through a divorce and custody battle. Look forward to reading more of you blog.

    • Janine says

      Gary, I very much agree and is truly therapy here for me on even a good day, too! And so happy that you found my blog and will be following along now 😉

  48. [email protected] says

    I get it completely. You never know when inspiration comes and it often is late when our mind has had time to settle. Good post. Thanks for sharing with the Thursday Blog Hop!

    • Janine says

      Pam, thank you for hosting once again and so true that it is very often late when my mind also settles as you can see from here 😉

  49. Mrs. AOK says

    I love why you write! I write for many of the same reasons too. I set an alarm at 4:50 a.m to wake up and write today’s post. 🙂 Shower, coffee, and me in front of the computer in complete silence this morning was absolutely lovely.
    So, how many notebooks do you have by your bed? I have two. I also keep one in my purse, a few in my office, and one in my truck.
    Keep writing!
    XOXO

    • Janine says

      I love that you have more then one notebook. As for me, mine is one my iPhone and on my computer. I am more digital in this essence, but still have paper notepads that I grab when all else fails 😉

  50. Jen says

    I am finally going to link up with the one word challenge next week!
    I love this post and couldn’t have said it better Janine. I love writing to remember, to share what I am feeling to connect and all for all of the reasons you explained.
    P.S. I am so glad that you write too!

  52. Stephanie @ Life, Unexpectedly says

    I agree, to be a writer, one just needs to keep on writing. I am thinking and meditating about a lot these days, but hardly ever bring it into written form, I hope this phase will pass, soon! Maybe once Calvin decides that night works well for sleeping, and that 5am is still considered night 🙂

    • Janine says

      Aw, Stephanie I remember those days all too well and will tell you I do believe it will pass, but still so happy you do write whenever you can now, too 😉

  53. Tamara says

    I forgo nearly everything just to get those thoughts into my handy dandy notes app! I get this 100%. There is no other way of being for me.
    Simply gorgeous.

  54. Liz Mays says

    I love how the words are so much a part of you ! It really can be a wonderful outlet and YOU have a distinct talent for how you write, so keep on!

  55. LINDSAY KLEIN says

    AMEN! and agreed! I felt so lost for not writing only a week…..It’s therapy, it’s life…It also means you are brave and intelligent and sharing your thoughts to the “world wide web” makes you have a heart:) and I love your thoughts! Thank you for writing! xo

    • Janine says

      Aw, Lindsay I mean it t when I say again that I missed you so much this past week. Thank you always and have a great weekend xoxo 😉

  56. Aunt Gloria says

    Writing is hard work, but so worth the final result! So glad you have found what makes you happy and fills the bill for so many things for you, including earning a living. Very proud of you. Keep up the good work! See you soon. xxoo

  57. katherine says

    I love this! You speak my language sweetie. I keep a notebook next to my bed. I also have one in the bathroom ( did I just admit that ?) Words , the amazing power of words, they tumble out of us filling pages and pages. Some of mine I share with the world through blogging and some stay scribbled in my notebook to be revisited. Thank you for this sweet confession ,my beautiful friend xox

  59. The Pinterested Parent says

    I love this Janine. I have a lot to say & feel like my brain is going to overflow all of the time. If I don’t share these thoughts I think I might explode. I understand the need to write.

  60. Rea says

    What can I say? We both write for the same reasons and there should be no reason to stop. Maybe we get stumped for a while but we always go back to being writers. 🙂

  61. Michelle @ A Dish of Daily Life says

    I get it. I don’t know if I quite feel this way, but I used to back in high school. Writing was my thing then, along with running. Maybe I am getting back to that in a way. What I do know is if I have an idea, I have to write it down immediately before it leaves me. Often I get my best ideas in the shower and when I am running…times when I don’t have a pad and paper or computer with me!

    • Janine says

      Michelle, I just had a moment this morning for an article and thankfully I had my phone’s notepad. But I do hate when lightening strikes and I have nothing to jot it down on, too!

  63. Rabia @TheLiebers says

    I love it, Janine! There are mornings I jumped out of bed to write, even though I get the stink eye from my husband. I try to stay ahead of things and schedule far enough out, but sometimes the muse just hits!

  65. ruchira says

    Beautiful words…I write, there I am

    Absolutely well said…to write is the writer’s job. Loved your takes on I write:…

    Lovely to visit you after ages!

  66. Kristi Campbell says

    Love it! You use notes. I email myself. Sometimes it’s 2am, sometimes closer to 6am. This is really such a beautiful post Janine. We write for many of the same reasons although I’ve done less of a good job than you at making it pay me. So glad you linked up!

    • Janine says

      Aw, Kristi I love that we have a similar way of jotting down our thoughts in the middle of the night nonetheless. But still, I was so happy to see the prompt and knew this post from last year summed up my feelings about how, why and when I write perfectly in my own words. So, couldn’t be happier that I did indeed link up with you today 🙂

  68. Kenya G. Johnson says

    My sentiments exactly! Too many times I’ve trusted my memory and rolled back over to sleep. Of course I don’t remember any of those good thoughts when I wake up.

  69. Lana says

    I write for many of the same reasons. Since starting my blog, writing has definitely been therapy for me. With my boys flying the nest this fall, I need something creative to engage my mind. Great post!

  70. April G says

    I really enjoyed your post. I think it was more of you and I like seeing that. Oldie, but goodie and still holds true!

  71. Lizzi says

    Very clever double use, Janine, and I wish I had your know-how in terms of making the words worth anything bankable! Good job 🙂

    • Janine says

      Lizzi, thank you and just made me smile more than you know. I loved that the sentence this week was something I actually had written about here and could use 😉

  72. Leah Vidal says

    I wish I could write in the early morning, but I also seem to choose sleep instead, LOL I write for many of the same reasons as you and am working toward a set schedule each day. There are always things to be done, but I need to let them sit while I feed my soul with a little writing each day.

    • Janine says

      Leah, I logically know I should choose sleep, but very often I just can’t and find myself filling it with writing instead.

  73. Leanne says

    Wow so many comments…I didn’t think I would come to the end of them. Yes, I write bits and pieces into my phone at the oddest times of the early morning or as soon as my eyes open. If you don’t get it down it’s gone forever.

  74. Chris Carter says

    Aw!! Love it Janine!! I love ALL the reasons you write, and I understand them all so well. 🙂

    It is IN us. We are writers- and that will ALWAYS be.

    I need to be more intentional with scheduling writing times too. I need to have more consistency to really work on becoming a better writer.

  75. Lisa @ The Meaning of Me says

    We all do it for so many reasons…and yours are as true as any.

    Great spin for both prompts! 🙂

  77. Deirdre Conran says

    Awesome! I’m not alone in my need to write at all the odd times of the day and might! Wish I did get paid to write, but alas, I’m just a blogger!

    • Janine says

      Definitely not alone and still I love to write just to write, but getting paid, too is a nice bonus for me, as well 😉

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