Chapter 1: Rediscovering the Joy of Reading and Writing

Recently, I've picked up reading again. Although it may seem trivial, much like my writing, I neglected it for years, limiting myself to work-related materials and emails. It felt like I was reading constantly, but it wasn't truly engaging. I missed the delight that comes from immersing myself in language and narratives.

While I’m not quite ready to dive into the depths of Dostoevsky or seek out the classics, I confess to enjoying lighter bestsellers. Yet, sometimes profound insights emerge from unexpected sources. Today, while reading Emily Henry’s Book Lovers, a particular passage struck a chord with me:

“The only two ways I’ve ever managed to get out of my head are through reading and rigorous exercise. With either, I can slip out of my mind and drift in this bodiless dark.”

This resonates deeply with my experience, though I admit I often fall short in practicing either activity as frequently as I should. However, I’ve discovered a third method that proves equally effective: writing.

This might sound paradoxical. Writing is, after all, a mental challenge in itself. Yet, it can pull me out of my current thought patterns just as effectively as any intense workout. (And just to clarify, it's been ages since I've set foot in a gym—I had to Google that HIIT acronym just to be sure!)

A fresh idea and the opportunity to write about it can shift my mental focus dramatically. The very space that troubles me becomes a source of liberation, all thanks to the act of writing.

Honestly, I had a rough day. I was on the verge of zoning out with the latest reality dating show in a foreign language on Netflix (is there any educational merit in that?). But then I remembered those lines I read earlier today. I reflected on how my recent writing on Medium has already sparked something within me. So, I opened my laptop and began to type.

It’s the best I’ve felt all day.

So, step out of your thoughts and start writing. It’s not only the words of others that can transport you; your own words can be your sanctuary.

Photo by Raimond Klavins on Unsplash

I appreciate every view, clap, and comment. If you're curious about my other musings, I'll share them below. Who knows what topics will spark my interest next? Your guess is as good as mine. I'm just grateful to be here.

Chapter 2: Can I Call Myself a Writer?

The aspiration I've held since the seventh grade has been to become a writer. Yet, the question lingers...