Why some are repelled and others are attracted
By Cazzy Lewchuk, Staff Writer
Some consider it an art; to others, it’s a lifestyle. For many, it’s nothing but an annoying and difficult requirement that you want to do as little of as possible. Regardless of how one feels about the act of writing, it’s done by almost everyone every day in some form. It can be composed of 140 characters for a few friends or hundreds of pages for the general public. Anyone can call themselves a writer—and in essence, everyone is a writer.
Regardless of the scope, the act is something taught and required from the beginning of our education. The ability to write is equal to the ability to read in its importance during the learning process. Whether they know it or not, everyone who writes reveals and often learns something about themselves in the process.
Most regular self-identified writers can agree they have always felt a desire or even an urge to do the act. Many of them were writing as soon as they were able to form words. Even those who have never felt the call began writing something of some sort at a young school age. The forced requirement of putting words to paper nurtured an enjoyment of writing for many, and for others, turned them off forever.
What causes this division? Writing is therapeutic and releasing. It’s a way to express our inner emotions, desires, and opinions. Some of us are certainly more talented or dedicated to it than others, but almost anyone can benefit from its effects. It’s also often relaxing, educational, and healthy.
Writing can also cause frustration, regret, and overwhelming emotion, especially if the subject is something unpleasant or boring. Releasing feelings therapeutically goes both ways, and many an uncomfortable revelation has been made in the midst of completing a paragraph. It could be as simple as realizing one is still in love with their ex or as complicated as realizing the entire universe is a bleak and meaningless place.
Overall, the effects of forming words physically differ for every person. Is writing a good thing? Is it a fruitless, damaging exercise? The answer varies. For some, no matter what they try, writing will always be a thing they cannot do and they will get upset trying. For others, it would be unthinkable not to write. It can be encouraged or discouraged, but the decision to write ultimately comes from within. Perhaps the only way to find out its effects on oneself is to try writing something. Generally, something good will happen. It’s worth a shot.
