(An assignment in a writing class was to put these words I write because… at the top of a page and then free write for 15 minutes without stopping. I just wrote the first things that came to my mind, though I edited it a bit for blogging purposes.)
MY FREE WRITE EXERCISE
I write because I love to hold a pen in my hand and write words on a page. Just the feeling of it helps me to relax. Maybe it’s something about getting out all the jumbled up words in my head.
I would be lost without the ability to record my thoughts on paper. It is freeing to get the words out even if they don’t make sense at first.
WHY DO I WRITE?
I write to:
- dispel the lies that we are not good enough.
- explore my feelings. Writing can be a soothing exercise that also brings me joy.
- express my feelings, using words to show what pictures are in my mind.
- share what I have learned with others. I want to help make people happy.
- express thought using poetry at times, because it helps me to use metaphors and similes.

I write because…
- I love to do it. It helps me think about things. I especially like it when I start a poem and it seems to write itself.
- it gives me a sense of accomplishment. Even if no one else reads it I have a record of my thoughts.
- it’s often easier to print it rather than speak it. Sometimes it helps to get my thoughts together before actually telling someone else what I think on a matter. By writing it first I can edit to make it sound better and more understandable.
- I believe God has given me an ability to use words to bring light into darkness, to lift the spirits of people who are leaning towards depression.
I write because I have to. It is one of the ways I find peace.
I can never stop writing about God, the Creator of the world who made me in His image with the ability to create in my own finite way. Full of grace and mercy, He is the One who loves me, forgives all my sin and cares for all creation. He has given me a love for people, a desire to write, to photograph things, to share His love with all those who cross my path. I want everyone to know Him. He is the One who brings us hope.
Maybe you write for some of the same reasons? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
I’m linking up with: #FreshMarketFriday, #GiveMeGrace, #LMMLinkup, #SmallWonder, #Glimpses, #CoffeeForYourHeart, #MomentsofHope, #IntentionalTuesday, #TestimonyTuesday, #Faith’nFriends
Yes! Whether anyone else ever reads them or not, we have to write down our words, don’t we?
That’s for sure, Michele! Thanks for visiting! Blessings! xo
Oh Gayl, I love this…”I write because I love to hold a pen in my hand and write words on a page.” Love. Love. Love. Writing this quote in my journal! 🙂
XO
Tammy
Aw, Tammy, thank you so much! That makes me happy. Blessings to you dear sister! xo
I love writing down my thoughts and hopefully future generations will know more about me, and maybe I will be able to share some words that will bless others.
So glad you shared this.
I love that, Debbie! I’ve kept journals because I wanted to have something to remember things but also for my children to read later on.
Blessings to you!
You captured the heart and soul of so many of us! I just loved this and would love for you to join the #FreshMarketFriday Link-up so everyone can read your words and heart for writing….it’s where we share our intentional pursuits! Crystal
Thank you so much, Crystal! I’m so glad you liked it. Thank you for reminding me of #FreshMarketFriday. I would love to join you there.
Blessings to you!
Thanks for this…you made me think of it more broadly…I write because,***
I must say you have captured so many benefits of writing Gayl.
Enjoy the rest of your weekend
I hope you are enjoying the book*wink*
God bless
Thank you, Ifeoma! I’m so glad you stopped by. I hope you also enjoy your weekend!
I have gotten away from the book because of some family issues, but I hope to get back into it maybe even today. 🙂 I do appreciate it!
Blessings to you dear sister!
Gayl,
What a wonderful exercise! I so agree, holding a pen is still special to me. The right pen, the smell of paper or a card, and the sight of handwriting is personal and precious.
I write so that my family and future generations will know what I was thinking as I journeyed through my life, day by day.
I am glad I stopped here this morning. Keep writing as you bless with your words!
Thank you so much for visiting and for your thoughts! Yes, I hope we never lose the joy of actually writing on paper or a card, etc. There is something beautiful about it.
Thank you for sharing some of your reasons for writing. I, too, write for future generations. I want them to be able to look back as they read what I leave behind.
Thank you for your encouragement, Joanne. Blessings to you!
Great exercise! I write because God asked me to four years ago. I have alway had a love for writing and have journaled but this time I knew it would be so much more. I love hearing about your writing journey. Sabbath blessings!
Thanks for visiting, Mary! Yes, I write because I know God wants me to. Like you I’ve always loved writing and did a lot of journaling, but it’s true that there is much more.
Thank you for your encouraging words. Blessings to you this day!
Hey Gayl
This is pretty cool, maybe I should try this too. With my new book out this past month I am being asked “why do I write?” To be honest, it’s a strange question to me because I don’t think about writing, it’s a natural part of my life. SO it feels like someone is asking me “why do you eat?” Its natural, I eat because I live. But I do realise it is something that people want to know. I am going to try this out, thank you! Good to see you again, Blessings Aliyah (setapartwarrior.blogspot.co.za)
I know what you mean, because I don’t usually think about why I write, I just write. This really was a fun exercise, because I just wrote what came to mind in the 15 minutes allotted for it.
I think you’ll enjoy trying it out. Just set a timer and don’t think about it too much, just start writing! Let me know if you do. I’d love to read it. 🙂
Good to see you again, too! I plan to get over to your blog again soon. Blessings to you!
I think you captured the essence of why a lot of us write. The reason I write is because it makes me happy.
Thanks for stopping by, Jerralea! Yes, I also write because it makes me happy. 🙂 Blessings to you!
Hi Gayl,
I need to show this to my husband because he cannot fathom why on earth I like writing! lol! It’s close to nightmare status for him! But for me, combining Jesus, ministering to others, and writing brings me pure joy!
Thank you so much for being a part of the #MomentsofHope community! I am so thankful for you!
Lori, when I started writing seriously a few years ago, my husband didn’t quite understand either. 🙂 The more I write, the more I love it. Like you, “…combining Jesus, ministering to others, and writing brings me pure joy!”
Thank you for your encouragement, Lori! I am blessed to be a part of the #MomentsofHope community! Glad to have found you.
Many blessings to you!