Last night I reconnected with one of my former teaching colleagues/friends. Our time together in the district we were in overlapped only two years and we lost touch with each other.

When I put out a request recently on Facebook asking if anyone would be willing to write a positive review for my podcast for me to put on my website, she was one who volunteered.

Honestly, I had no idea she even listened to the podcast, and so it was a wonderful surprise to hear from her.

After a back and forth on Messenger about the podcast and writing in general, she mentioned that she would love to grab coffee or dinner some time to catch up.

You know how that goes. Or at least in my world, a lot of time we say we want to get together but we all get caught up in our lives and it never happens.

Not this time though. She followed through with some dates, and we were able to make it happen after a reschedule on my end.

We talked for almost three hours about our careers and the paths they had taken, her kids, my grandsons, and writing, both hers and mine.

After we said our goodbyes with a plan to meet again in the fall (I have no doubt we will), I started thinking more about writing and this question in particular:

Why do I write?

–Chris Denker

I write because I feel like I have something to offer to the world. I don’t have anything revolutionary to say, but I say it in my voice. My voice might resonate with someone in a positive way.

I write because it helps me with problem-solving and ideation. I journal every morning. I use my journal to set my intentions for the day, I write prayers, I write down what I’m grateful for, and I generate ideas for future podcast ideas, blog posts, and classes and retreats I want to offer.

I write because sometimes I need to word vomit without offending anyone or saying something I will instantly regret. I get my frustrations out on paper and then I throw the paper away.

I write because I can’t imagine not writing. It’s in my blood. It’s who I am. I am a writer.

It has taken me a long time for me to allow myself to say that I’m a writer, but that’s exactly who I am.

I am a writer.

Until next time…

Be well, friends.