Among the inventions that have changed the course of human history, few can parallel the advent of writing. Ever since humans conceived the notion of placing symbols on stone and papyrus, the written word has been used to document events, record our stories and share important information.

Writing can be a means of expressing one’s deepest thoughts and emotions and a way to inform, educate and entertain. It is a powerful tool that can capture the human condition and help give us insights into ourselves.

While writing can be a magical thing, it’s not some secret knowledge known only to the sages. It is something universal, to which every person on this earth should have access. Writing is something that everyone should try.

Unfortunately, there are still those among us who lack access to this tool. There are men, women and children right here in Beaufort County who do not have the ability to read and write. Beyond our local schools, daycares and libraries, Beaufort County Literacy Volunteers is a champion of the written word. The understanding of language they share with those they serve is one of the world’s greatest gifts.

Perhaps you keep a journal, documenting each day’s occurrences. Maybe you haven’t written much of anything since high school. Whatever your relationship with writing, it’s never too late to try. The way to do so is simple. Set a timer for five minutes, take your pen, and put it to paper. Let it fly with whatever comes to mind. Don’t stop to edit yourself. Just write.

In doing so, you might come away with chicken scratch. But there’s some chance you might have some nuggets of gold tucked away in that writing. Something that expresses your inner-most feelings and desires — something to reflect on. At best, you’ll have something that your children, grandchildren or great-grandchildren may read some day, giving them a glimpse of who you are.

Even if you haven’t done any writing in years, consider giving it a try. You might just be surprised at what comes out — you can do magic.