Write About It — Week 14 of 52 Week Photo Project
In the 4th grade I had a composition notebook dedicated to writing short stories.
A large lined sticky note was stuck to the inside cover of my notebook with words of encouragement from my 4th grade teacher telling me she enjoyed my stories and I should write them more often.
Most of them probably were about my cats Shady and Baby, I don’t really remember though.
But I do remember that being the first time I was encouraged to write creatively.
I never thought of myself as a writer before. To be honest, I LOVED reading, but didn’t enjoy writing nearly as much. I ended up in a high school that had a central focus on writing too, and I really don’t remember consciously choosing that.
But I’ve noticed throughout my life that while I felt I could never get the hang of the right words to say (which is why I gravitated towards making photos), I was always complimented on my writing.
Fast forward to now, writing has been a huge part of my journey right along with photography, especially in the last year.
It’s allowed me to gain some clarity in my mind especially when I’m wrought with overthinking.
It’s allowed me to process difficult emotions.
It’s allowed me to feel deep gratitude for many things in my life, especially when I’ve felt the exact opposite.
It’s allowed me to connect with so many individuals too— everyone who has messaged me when you resonate with a caption or a newsletter, man is that affirming!
The pen as of late has been yet another tool I use to express and explore myself, along with my camera.
I don't know when I thought I had to stick with only one thing to express myself, but I'm glad I realized that isn't the case.
Whether its with words, photographs, makeup, clothes, voice or whatever, exploring ways to express myself has helped me realize all of these emotions I feel don't nor should be bottled up inside And for that, I'm so grateful.