Hello Blog World. It's me, Whitney.

What is this blogging thing? What does it mean to pour your thoughts out onto digital paper for anyone to read? Why do people do it?

Some of us need to. I have realized that I am one of those people.

I have been a "writer" in my head since elementary school when my English teacher suggested I attend a young writer's conference. My dad took me. I have always dreamed of being a writer - journalist, novelist, columnist - whatever. It didn't matter. Sure, through high school the writing thing became suppressed for a time (replace with: professional trombone player, astronaut, marine biologist, Disney animator), but underneath those pipe dreams I always knew writing was something I could actually be good at and a field in which I could possibly hold a job.

But in order to be a writer you have to write. Right? Ask me when I last wrote anything that wasn't required for a grade or a paycheck. Go ahead, ask.

Oh! Hey there! When was the last time I wrote anything that wasn't for a grade or a paycheck, you ask?

I don't remember.

You can be a writer in your "head" until the day you die, but if you keep your words inside, all they have the power to do is echo in there, haunting you to be set free.

So welcome. This is my journey to becoming a real writer; you know, one who actually writes? Here's to setting free my thoughts - Be liberated, thoughts! - and seeing what exciting things happen to someone who has been a writer all her life but never took the time.

Go ahead and ask me that question again. You know, the one above, in italics?

When was the last time I wrote anything that wasn't for a grade or a paycheck?

Today.

I'd like to make a toast. I raise my glass to getting out of our heads and into the world. And here's to blogging! Join me, won't you?

What would YOU like to toast today?