The Beauty of Writing

"Cute, nice. These two words are overused to the point of idiocy. I dare you to say that it has never crossed your mind that people who use these words excessively are true blue idiots."

The frown was replaced with a smile. I know I've managed to hit the nail on the head.

As the class exploded into thunderous applause, I involuntarily let out an arrogant smirk. Who knew that eleventh hour work would reap such rewards? Returning to my seat, I was immediately showered with praises for my argumentative speech. Basking in the rare compliments, the teacher's high pitched voice was reduced to a distant screeching. The only words that came through were "No Pain, No Gain!" Such a euphemism was often tossed about in the face of such admirable work, and easily got everyone clamouring to get started on their speeches.

Armed with a pen and paper, we were a potent combination. Words flowed with the fluidity if water when pen met paper. Although not all of my works had gained the teacher's approval, losing faith had never been an option for I understood that I was my greatest adversary.

Some of us work better in inspiration, while others work better in desperation.

Despite my initial laughter, I was inwardly glad that I could work in both kinds of situations. With inspiration, i had the ability to dish out the most beautiful and perfectly constructed of essays with ease. Even in desperation, especially in the case of insufficient time, I could leapt into action and within minutes, transform a completely pretentious topic into something that seemed almost erudite. I had never considered writing my forte, but looking back at these grades as compared to my other subjects, it was undeniable that it was something I could excel in if I just put in the effort. This discovery only served to boost my determination.

But who said talent is the key to success? One's emotional state contributes greatly to the quality of our work, and hence directly influences our success rate. This is especially so when it comes to writing. My essays essentially depict my mood and state of mind. Having come upon the realisation that angst has been a major key topic of many of my works, it dawned on me that perhaps, I did not understand myself at all. All this while, I assumed that I was happy and satisfied with the on-goings in my life. Yet my essays proved otherwise. Simply by re-reading them, it was penned explicitly in black and white; my innermost feelings concerning my life that contrasted immensely with my beliefs then.

Writing defines what kind of person one is. One's personality is revealed just by observing his or her writing style. In fact, writing is not really as profound as many make it out to be. It is basically being yourself, and having the courage to put down ideas into words. It is not the wide range of vocabulary used that makes writing beautiful, but the personality we delve from within an essay that is truly poignant.

Well then, what exactly is writing to me?

To me, writing is a journey of self-discovery.