"How do I know what I think until I see what I say?" -E.M. Forster
My least favorite part of a checkup is the coldness of the stethoscope on my chest. I constantly face the challenge of staying warm, and the icy metal immediately sends a shiver down my spine. Although the stethoscope causes me to recoil at first, I understand its importance; it detects the inner workings of my body, amplifying my heartbeat to create a steady rhythm of reassurance. Writing is my stethoscope. At first, I am hesitant toward the idea of writing, unsure where to begin or how I will manage to convey something important. However, the initial startle and frigidity fades as I allow my writing to demonstrate the inner workings of my mind. My thoughts, opinions, and beliefs resonate more clearly on the paper, allowing me to understand myself in new ways. Time and time again, I am told to follow my heart. Like a stethoscope, writing allows me to hear just what it is that my heart and mind have to say.