June 17- Why don't I write?

I've never considered myself to be an impressive talent with writing. Do I enjoy doing it on my own time (and, perhaps most importantly, without deadlines) and on my own subjects? Sure. Do I think I'm good at it? Yeah, I think so. But I would not consider myself someone who's got the innate ability to do this sort of thing for a living. See, there's a certain amount of dedication and drive that comes with writing things of substance. So....while I have enjoyed blogging, or writing poetry, or screenplays, or whathaveyou...it seems to me that there's a lot that I've yet to master or come close to exploring when it comes to substantial writing.

I suppose I would fare a bit better with a goal or deadline, and yet, I hate the concept of having to turn in something that is dictated to me by someone else. Projects like an old Expository Writing course in college was my favorite piece of writing/project because it was legitimately an empty canvas; my subject was me, but I could take that in any direction I wanted....this brings me to a major point: education can BE fun, can REQUIRE imagination and creativity...and still allow for educators to guide conventional techniques, writing styles, and essential parts of writing (plot, anyone?).

Anyway, I have decided that once this month is over, a goal that I will have for the rest of the year is to devote a couple of hours each week to just writing. No project, no goal...just me, myself, and some sort of writing utensil (or laptop). After a while, I am hoping that the writing will take and I can up the dosage, so to speak.

I say dosage because of my love for the activity and the opportunity I am afforded to construct words and meaning and convey images and to strive ceaselessly to paint emotions with words. That's the thing: I value words; they are more powerful than action and can do more for describing and defining the human condition than they are given credit for. Words? Underrated.