Day 1 of the UGBlogMonth Challenge.
WHY I WRITE
I have four main reasons behind my writing
- My Fascination with the Written Word.
I have been a voracious reader since the age of six and my parents played a crucial role in helping me to cultivate this habit. In the secondary school I attended, I was caught and punished many times for hiding in a pantry to read a novel after the official Lights Out at 10pm. In the process, I acquired so much knowledge, joy and fun and became a global citizen long before the invention of the Internet; all at the price of a book!
By the time I was thirty five years of age, I felt that I had read enough books- fiction and non fiction to write my own. This was my simple way of giving back to the Literary world in gratitude. Surprisingly , my English teacher of Literature in English had seen this potential and drawn my attention to it. I considered Medicine as my noble calling.
2. Writing to express my thoughts, feelings and desires.
As I grew older, I continued with my obsession with books but I also developed the quest to find out who I was at a deeper level. Slowly, but surely I became a better person and rose above mere humanity. I became an artist- creating something meaningful, lasting and something of value. I stretched my imagination and began to write short stories. I wanted to share my knowledge, experiences and skills with other people with the intention of impacting their lives positively.
My favourite author Maya Angelou said: ” When you get, you give. If you learn, you teach.”
I write about what I know, what I feel is beautiful and of significance in my life. All that I create emerges out of the truth about who I am at that moment in time. I block out the past or the future and concentrate on my creation. I begin with childlike spontaneity and openness and finish with maturity, skill and wisdom. The process of creation is more liberating and thrilling than the actual product. I gain more confidence and enlightenment as I continue to create.
3.Writing to give hope and joy while honing my writing skills.
In October 2016, I started blogging mainly for personal development and to inspire others. I tap into my wealth of experience, skills and knowledge to uplift , inspire while honing my writing skills. I also use it as a platform to connect with other writers and readers and to promote my creative works.
4. Writing just for the fun of it.
After being away from Uganda for more than twenty two years, I returned to find a radically changed place. I found it tough to get assimilated into the new systems. I have been able to move forward and to find joy by clinging to what I love and what makes me fulfilled: reading, reading and Writing. Writing reduces the stress, gives me the ability to cope, improves my memory and concentration, helps me to live a balanced life and improves my sleeping habits. For as long as I can , I shall keep reading and writing to keep my mind, heart and soul in top shape.
