Lately, I have noticed something new in myself: I am writing more than ever before. Every time a powerful thought or feeling strikes, I feel a strong urge to put it down, to shape and colour it with words. Sometimes it is just a sentence or a paragraph, but often it grows into a page, an article, or even a poem. I wonder Why is this happening? What is it about writing that draws me in so deeply? Is it just a habit, or is there something more profound at work here?
Life has a funny way of answering our questions, often when we least expect it. Just as I started to question this new habit, a young intern walked into my chamber and handed me a book: The Power of Writing It Down by Allison Fallon. It felt like a gentle nudge from the universe, as if to say, “Here, read this. You might find some answers.” And indeed, I did. Fallon writes about how even a few minutes of writing each day can change our lives. She explains that writing helps us process our emotions, clear our minds, heal old wounds, and break free from patterns that hold us back. She says it’s not about being a great writer, but about the act itself. Writing is a journey inward, a way to discover who we really are.
This made me pause and reflect. Why do I write? Is it to impress others, to be heard, or is it something I do just for myself? I realized that writing gives me solace. When life feels heavy, when worries pile up and the world seems too much, putting my thoughts on paper lightens the load. When I am happy, when joy fills my heart, writing helps me savor the feeling, to hold onto it a little longer. And sometimes, when I share my words, I find that others have felt the same way but never said it out loud. Writing connects me to people in a quiet, powerful way, reminding me that I am not alone.
But there is more to it than just connection or comfort. I started to wonder: What will happen if I keep writing? What will I see when I look back at my words ten years from now? Will I recognize the person who wrote them? Will I see how much I have changed, how far I have come? Writing, I realized, is like planting seeds for my future self. It is a way to track my own growth, to see my thoughts evolve, to witness my own transformation. Why do any of us write? Is it just to remember, or is it to understand ourselves better? Is it to leave something behind, or to make sense of the present? Maybe it is all of these things. Writing is a mirror. It shows us who we are, who we were, and who we might become.
In a world that moves so fast, where everything seems to happen in an instant, writing is a pause. It is a moment of stillness, a chance to listen to our own hearts. It helps us untangle the mess inside, find clarity, and plant new dreams. Writing is not about perfection or praise. It is about honesty, about being present with ourselves.
Sometimes my thoughts are tangled like a ball of yarn, and writing helps me pull at the threads, one by one, until I find the end. Sometimes, I don’t find it right away, but the act of trying brings me peace. Other times, I write simply to remember—to capture a moment, a feeling, a thought that might otherwise slip away.
And then there is the magic of connection. The words I write today might touch someone tomorrow, or even years later. My words might become a bridge to someone else’s heart, a reminder that we are not alone. Writing is a gift to ourselves and to others. I remember once sharing an article I wrote about judicial loneliness. A friend read it and said, “I felt the same way, but I never knew how to say it.” That moment made me realize the power of words. They can heal, inspire, and connect us in ways we never imagined. Writing is not just for writers. It is for everyone. You don’t need to be a poet or a novelist. You just need to be honest with yourself, willing to sit down and let your thoughts flow.
So, I ask myself again: Why do I write? I write to find myself. I write to heal, to grow, to connect. I write to leave a trail of thoughts for my future self to follow. I write because it brings me peace, and sometimes, it brings others peace too. Writing is a journey inward. It is a way to explore the landscape of your own mind.
Sometimes, you will find joy. Other times, you will find pain. But always, you will find yourself. Writing is like looking in a mirror and seeing your true reflection, not the one you show to the world, but the one you keep inside. When I write, I am not always sure what will come out. Sometimes, I am surprised by my own words. Sometimes, I discover feelings I didn’t know I had. Writing helps me make sense of the world and my place in it.
To anyone wondering if they should write, I say: Start small. Write for yourself. Let your words flow without fear or judgment. You might be surprised at what you discover. You don’t need to write a novel. You can write a sentence, a paragraph, or just a list of thoughts. The important thing is to start. The more you write, the easier it becomes. The more you write, the more you will understand yourself. I have started to make writing a daily practice. Even on busy days, I try to write a few lines. Sometimes, it is just a note to myself. Other times, it is a message to my WhatsApp group. The act of writing, no matter how small, helps me stay grounded.
Writing is not about being perfect. It is about being present. It is about showing up for yourself, every day, one word at a time. In the end, writing is a journey—a journey inward, a journey home. And that, I believe, is its true power. Looking back at my writings, I see the struggles, the joys, the fears, and the hopes. I see my journey, written in my own words. Sometimes, I laugh at my old self. Other times, I am moved by my own words. But always, I am grateful for the gift of reflection. Writing is a way to honor your past, embrace your present, and dream about your future. It is a way to celebrate your life, in all its messy, beautiful glory.
Everyone has a thought or a message to convey. It is unique for each of us and is yours alone. Writing is a way to tell your story, to share your truth, to make sense of your life. Your story matters. Your words matter. I wonder what my writing will look like in ten years. Will I still write every day? Will my words change? Will I see the world differently? I don’t know the answers, but I am excited to find out.
Writing is a journey, and I am grateful to be on it.
So, to anyone reading this, I invite you to write. Start today. Start small. Write for yourself. Let your words flow. You might be surprised at what you discover. Writing is not about perfection. It is about presence. It is about showing up for yourself, one word at a time. In the end, writing is a journey—a journey inward, a journey home. And that, I believe, is its true power.
Justice N.Anand Venkatesh Judge High Court Madras
