Why I Write: How Personal Storytelling Inspires Hope and Creates Real Change
Great writing is three parts, and they’re not equal.
One part is skill. This is probably 20%. Writing requires some technical know-how, like grammar, structure, and style. But in the grand scheme of things, they’re just a small part of what makes writing impactful.
Another part is an idea. This is another 20%. Every great piece of writing starts with a core idea or message. It’s the spark that gives the writing purpose and direction. But while ideas are important, they aren’t enough on their own — they need something else to make writing complete.
That something else is inspiration. This is the meat. The 60%. It’s the deep desire to share something meaningful — whether it’s a personal truth, a lesson learned, or a message of hope. Writing isn’t just about putting words together; it’s about creating a connection, sparking change, and making a lasting impact. Great writers are driven by the belief that their words can uplift, challenge, or comfort others.
In my two books, The Words I Didn’t Listen To and IKIGAI, I share personal reflections on life’s challenges — relationships, self-discovery, and pursuing purpose and faith. Through these stories, I don’t just recount experiences; I offer them as a guide for others facing similar crossroads. I hope these books encourage readers to reflect, reimagine their paths, and ultimately find the strength to make better choices, pivot when necessary, and hold onto hope, even when life feels overwhelming. These works are my way of saying, “You’re not alone, and change is always possible.”
I’ve been struggling over the past few months about being this type of writer — this type of hope carrier or inspiration provider — and sharing my reflections and learnings from my divorce. The struggle comes from so many places, but I’ll name a few to give perspective. I’ve been told to “Get over it, and move on.” For clarity, I am over it and I have moved on 😂🙌🏽 but my writing about it could be perceived as me holding on to the past. It comes from the shame, a word I’ll unpack in my next blog, of the circumstance, a circumstance that our society (and a former therapist) tried to put on me when there’s actually nothing for me to be ashamed of. And, it’s a tug of war with timing because “for everything, there is a season.”
All this to say, I’m feeling more free to write.
A writer is who I am, writing about me is what I do best, and I write, strategize, design, and do hair, to make it possible for others to believe in the best versions of themselves.
I write and tell my stories because we overcome by the word of our testimonies, because we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God, because I must let my light shine that they may see the glory of my Father in heaven. I write and tell my stories because if I do not I will indeed be living beneath my purpose. I write and tell my stories because how will they know, how will they move, how will they believe if they have not heard? They won’t if I’m quiet. So, I won’t be. So, I write.
