By J. Irving ft. Generative Pre-trained Transformers
Good day everyone.
When we think of writing, many of us remember classrooms—pens, notebooks, essays, and exams. We may even think of writing as a requirement, something we had to do, rather than something we wanted to do. But writing is more than an academic exercise. It is a life skill. It is a companion. And, in many ways, writing can help us live a better life.
Let me begin with a simple truth: writing gives us clarity. Life can be confusing. Sometimes our minds feel like a noisy marketplace—so many voices, so many worries, so many decisions to make. But when we sit down to write, something happens. We are forced to slow down. We take scattered thoughts and put them in order. For example, when you’re torn between two choices, writing down the pros and cons often makes the decision clearer. What felt heavy in the mind suddenly becomes lighter on paper. Writing, in this way, is like untangling a knot—you see the strands more clearly and understand how they connect.
Writing also gives us emotional release. Many of us carry burdens we cannot always share with others—disappointments, heartbreaks, frustrations. And sometimes, even joy can feel overwhelming when we have no one to tell it to. A diary or journal becomes a safe space. I know people who write letters they never send—letters to someone who hurt them, letters to a loved one who passed away, letters to themselves. Just the act of writing is enough to bring peace. It’s like opening a window in a room that has been closed for too long; fresh air comes in, and suddenly, you can breathe again.
Another gift of writing is the ability to remember and give thanks. Life moves fast. Days pass by, and sometimes we forget the little things that matter most. But when we write them down, we preserve them. A mother might keep a journal of her children’s milestones—the first words, the first steps. Years later, when the children are grown, those writings become priceless treasures. Or think of someone writing a gratitude list at the end of the day—three small things they are thankful for. Maybe it’s the smile of a stranger, a meal shared with a friend, or simply surviving a tough day. Writing these down teaches us to notice the good in life, and gratitude, as we all know, is one of the keys to happiness.
Writing also helps us connect with others. Words are bridges that reach beyond distance and time. A heartfelt letter can heal broken relationships. A short message of encouragement can lift someone’s spirit. Even a simple post online can touch lives far beyond what we can imagine. There are countless stories of people inspired by words they stumbled upon—words written by someone they never met. When we write, we don’t just express ourselves; we give others a chance to feel understood, encouraged, or even loved.
Perhaps the most powerful gift of writing is self-discovery. When we write, we learn about ourselves. We may start with a simple journal entry and end up uncovering deep truths about what we value, what we fear, and what we dream of. Writing reveals patterns in our thinking—it shows us where we are strong and where we need to grow. In this sense, writing is like a mirror, reflecting back not just our face, but our soul.
And finally, writing allows us to leave a legacy. Our words can outlive us. Imagine a child finding an old notebook of a parent filled with reflections and stories. That child will feel not only connected to the parent, but also guided by their wisdom. Great books and letters from history remind us that even when voices fall silent, words remain. Each of us has stories worth telling. Writing ensures they are not lost.
So, how does writing help us live a better life? It clears our mind. It heals our emotions. It teaches us gratitude. It connects us to others. It helps us discover ourselves. And it leaves behind a part of us for the next generation.
My friends, I encourage you: write. Write your thoughts, your joys, your struggles. Write when you are happy. Write when you are hurting. Write when you want to remember, and write when you want to forget. Don’t wait to be a “good writer.” You already are, because writing is not about perfection—it is about honesty.
In the end, writing is both a mirror and a map. It shows us who we are, and it points us to the life we want to live. And if we allow it, writing will not only help us live better, but also help us live more fully, more gratefully, and more meaningfully.
Thank you.
Come and see my work:
Cyber Arnis 