There are days when motivation is hard to come by, which is why I feel the need to make the following list of the top 10 reasons I love being a writer:

Reason #1: I can work anywhere. My office is poolside, in a coffee shop, or in my pajamas (if I so desire).

Reason #2: I don’t feel like I’m working. Writing is the single most enjoyable thing I know, other than making art and running. I am never happier than when I’m putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard), crafting prose or poetry.

Reason #3: I want a life without boundaries. If I am suddenly offered a roundtrip ticket to anywhere, I want to be able to take it…and bring my work with me, if necessary.

Reason #4: Documenting my experiences gives my life meaning. Moving about from country to country has left me with an immense desire to record my rovings. I’m not sure what it is about travel that makes life seem transitory, but it certainly seems to have that effect on me.

Reason #5: At this very moment, I am perfecting my craft. That’s right–blogging is an entirely appropriate way to be spending my time at work. Awesome.

Reason #6: Writing keeps me smart. I’m continually thinking, analyzing, and, most of the time, anyway, actively involved in this process called life.

Reason #7: I happily work, even when I’m not working. Because I’m doing something I love, I am constantly thinking of new ideas, new pitch angles, new ways to improve upon what’s already been done.

Reason #8: Work is 63% reading, researching, and thinking, 37% writing, editing, and revising. I like that “using my time effectively” often involves reading travel publications, eating at new restaurants, or brainstorming new travel destinations.

Reason #9: I am not meant to be employed. Anyone who knows me knows this is entirely true. I’ve never wanted to be in the confines of an office, unless it’s an office that I purposefully lease and design. I love the freedom and responsibility of self-employment. I’m even okay with the long hours, unpredictable salary, and loneliness that sometimes comes with working alone.

Reason #10: I’m doing what I’m meant to do. There’s no better feeling in the entire world.