When the word art comes to mind, most people think of dancing, music, painting, or sketching. People think of fine art and performing art and the different things that fall underneath of it. But one thing that gets lost in the mix however is writing. Seeing as it’s an everyday thing for us as human beings to write, it’s easy to see why writing isn’t always considered an “art”. We write using pen and paper or our fingers and a keyboard. Writing is a form of speaking that involves thinking before the words even come into play.

Whether we admit it or not, we write every single day. It may not always be pen to paper but could be typing on a computer or a cellphone. We write people every day and send messages constantly. We use writing as a form of communication and expression. At work, some of us may place our fingers on our keyboards and type away. But just think of what life and daily routines were like before phones and computers. Everything was handwritten and passed along. But when we can’t put our thoughts into words some days, the next best thing to do is to write.

I know when it comes to writing in college, most people aren’t a fan. Most people would prefer projects over writing or essays or papers. However, aside from the serving the purpose of assignments, writing serves as the cheapest and easiest form of therapy that every single one of us has but doesn’t always use. Since I was younger, I have been recognize as gifted and talented for my knack in writing. For small book reports I would write page after page. I wrote wild and creative short stories throughout the years. Reading plenty of books has also inspired me for this. As time went on and life happened, I found that writing was one of the best ways for me to get the point across in how I was feeling. Poetry became one of my favorite outlets as well and eventually I stumbled upon things like Button Poetry (a platform where young adults have the opportunity to perform and publish their poetry). I became inspired by poetry from Blythe Baird and Sabrina Benaim to Donte Collins and Sierra DeMulder. I also become inspired by the songwriters from my favorite music groups across the world.

This time one year ago, I had purchased a journal and a pack of pens and didn’t know where to begin. I started off by just writing what I felt. Jotting down every thought that came to mind. This time a year ago I scheduled one of my first therapy appointments and as these appointments occurred, my therapist advised that one of the best ways to quiet my anxiety is to journal. To write the good things as well as the bad things and put them down onto paper. Since then, I will write about the things that bothers me along with the things I love. I even go so far as to try my hand at creative pieces sometimes or little phrases if I'm stuck on what it is I'm trying to say.

For myself, writing has become a cathartic experience and if you’re ever in a state of distress, need to plan something out, express yourself, or demonstrate something, writing is the best way to do this. Go out, buy a journal and a pen and scribble everything on your mind. Besides, the easiest and cheapest therapy will always be the lost art of writing.