The Inked Journey: How My Love for Reading, Writing, and Journaling Began

 

The Inked Journey: How My Love for Reading, Writing, and Journaling Began

Growing up, the smell of inked paper and the rustling sound of flipping pages became a soundtrack to my childhood. My grandfather, a devoted reader, had an almost ritualistic relationship with The Independent Newspaper. Every morning, he’d walk a distance to get his favorite read, and little did I know, those walks weren’t just a testament to his love for news—they became the foundation of my love for words.

In Grade 4 and Grade 5, my teacher assigned us a task: find something to read at home to improve our reading skills. With no children’s books around, I turned to my grandfather’s stack of old newspapers. What started as a school assignment soon became a daily habit. Not only did I learn to read fluently, but my English vocabulary and grammar grew leaps and bounds.

But newspapers weren’t the only treasure in our home. My brother and grandfather had a collection of books from church—writings by Ellen G. White and other spiritual texts. These books had a different rhythm, a mix of wisdom and storytelling that taught me to appreciate reading beyond entertainment. At church, Bible studies became my weekend escape into stories of faith, courage, and grace. These experiences shaped my love for reading, for which I am eternally grateful.

Fast forward to high school, where my English teacher set the bar high. She was strict, particularly when it came to essay writing, and demanded nothing less than excellence. To meet her expectations, I had to read voraciously. From novels to poetry to essays, I consumed every piece of literature I could find. That discipline paid off, as my English grades at GCSE were stellar, but more importantly, I developed an enduring passion for the written word.

When I got to college, journaling became my refuge. It was my safe space, a place to pour out my feelings and thoughts that couldn’t find their way into conversations. My journal didn’t judge; it listened patiently. Writing became my therapy, and the more I wrote, the more I fell in love with expressing myself on paper.

Looking back, I owe so much to my grandfather’s early morning walks for the newspaper, my brother’s passion for Ellen G. White’s writings, and my family’s culture of wide reading. Studying Arts at A-Level also pushed me to read and write more, as my competitive classmates fueled my desire to excel.

It’s amazing how small moments—a newspaper, a book, or a journal—can spark a lifelong passion. And so, my love for reading, writing, and journaling is not just a hobby; it’s a legacy that began with family and continues to shape who I am today.

"Writing is the painting of the voice." – Voltaire