In her reflections on writing, Jhumpa Lahiri expresses that her motivation stems from a desire to explore the complexities of existence and develop a deeper understanding of herself and the world around her. Writing serves as a tool for her to engage with her feelings, thoughts, and reactions, helping her make sense of experiences that might otherwise be overwhelming. This process allows her to confront her own emotional turmoil and translate it into something coherent and structured.

Lahiri highlights the transformative power of words, stating that they can purify and give significance to her experiences. For her, thoughts that remain unspoken lack meaning and resonance, while words that are crafted and endure take on a life of their own. This perspective underscores how writing not only offers clarity to her inner turmoil but also imbues her thoughts with a greater value and power, making the act of writing essential to her existence.