Trying to write a writing-related, October-themed essay in Canada is an interesting exercise. We celebrate two holidays in October, and, although they both in their own way herald the beginning of the holiday season for Canadians, they couldn’t have any less in common with each other. Halfway through the month we stop to spend the day with our families and friends to enjoy a sumptuous, traditional meal of turkey with all the trimmings and, more important, to reflect on the many reasons we have to be thankful. Then a few weeks later we smear cotton cobwebs by our front doors, hang ghosts and goblins from our trees and hide eerie, fright-inducing, motion-activated scream devices in our foyers. In other words, for Canadians, October is one emotional, frenetic, roller coaster ride.

Writing can be like that. The very process of putting one’s thoughts together and writing them down (or keying them in) bring highs and lows, rewarding the writer with moments of both thankfulness and fear; thankfulness that the particular piece was completed, fear that in it we’ve revealed too much or that it won’t be understood or accepted. The truth is, if you want to write you will find yourself occasionally riding an emotional roller coaster. October seems the perfect month, then, to think about why we write and why we should.

There are many motivations for writing. For some it is to satisfy a longing for expression. Others write private reflections in journals as a way to understand and learn from their experiences. For some it is simply a way to make money. Whatever the motivation, writing serves many purposes: to inform or teach, to remind or re-create, to help or heal. Whatever the motivation, there is a joy and a confidence that result from allowing yourself the freedom to organize thoughts and write them down.
These, on their own, make writing a worthwhile endeavor, but there is another benefit to writing. Sometimes what is created in the writing process becomes more than the mere collection of thoughts and words. It become something that can touch or even change someone’s life - including the writer’s own.

I truly believe that writing can benefit everyone and even more important, that everyone can write. Each of us has a story to tell and a perspective that is unique. Through each others’ writing we can learn so much about each other, and ourselves.

I encourage everyone to begin a writing journey this October by taking some time to reflect on the themes of thanksgiving and fear. For what are you thankful? Fearful? Why? Could you be more thankful? Less fearful? How? Perhaps you can start with a personal journal where you can begin to keep a collection of your own moments of thankfulness, fear or inspiration. Try your hand at writing poetry. Begin to write with no theme in mind and see where that leads you.

It’s true that writing can sometimes make you feel like you are on a roller coaster but I can promise you that it’s a ride that’s worth it.

Copyright © 2005 Pamela Hamilton

Sunlight spilled into the jade bowl, giving it an almost iridescent glow. Out the window I could see the school across the field and the men replacing shingles on Mary’s house next door. They made a game of aiming the pieces toward the industrial garbage bin positioned halfway down her driveway. Even with the window shut I could hear them shouting "two points" and "he shoots he scores" every time a shingle made it in. Occasionally, a piece would ricochet off the edge of the container and land on Mary’s favourite Pilgrim roses. They didn’t seem to care, if they even noticed at all.