Terry Tempest Williams reflects on the profound impact of writing in her life, emphasizing how her experiences have been shaped by both the reality of the world and her documentation of those experiences in her journals. Through her work in "When Women Were Birds," she highlights the duality of personal encounters, illustrating how the act of writing allows her to re-experience and process her life events more deeply.

This practice of journaling serves as a means of both reflection and connection to her inner voice. By putting her thoughts and feelings onto the page, Williams creates a narrative that enhances her understanding of herself and her interactions with the world around her, ultimately reinforcing the significance of storytelling and self-expression in her journey.