Citizen Kane is universally recognized as one of the greatest films of all time. Orson Welles and his collaborators created a masterpiece well ahead of its time in storytelling, cinematography, and special effects. (It also happens to be my favorite movie!)

Yet, for all its achievements, Citizen Kane is one of the saddest movies ever made.

The film tells the story of Charles Foster Kane, a wealthy businessman who began his career with good intentions. But over time, he tries to control everyone around him. In the end, he dies alone with a mansion full of treasures and a heart full of bitterness and regret.

In a powerful scene late in the movie, Kane’s former friend and employee Jed Leeland tells a reporter, “That’s all he ever wanted out of life, was love. That’s the tragedy of Charles Foster Kane. You see, he just didn’t have any to give.”

Let me ask you a simple but profound question. Do you love to write?

I’m not talking about whether you love having written. I’m talking about the actual work of writing.

Do you love the creative process? Do you love the opportunity to set down words on a page or screen, knowing they can make a difference for someone? Do you love telling a story, teaching something new, or knowing you helped someone with your words?

If the answer is “yes”—great! If the answer is “no” or “not so much,” consider the reason why.

Is it because writing is hard or unpleasant? Is it because someone long ago said you weren’t a writer? Could it be that inner critic trying to convince you that you’re not worthy?

One of the great ironies of Citizen Kane was that Charles Foster Kane was a newspaper publisher. He started his journey with a love of words and he used those words to serve people.

But by the end, he was an empty shell of a man with no love to give. And the single word he spoke right before he died—“Rosebud”—pointed to a time in his life when he felt more secure and loved.

Today as you sit down to write, my wish for you is that your heart—and your pen—may be filled with love. Not just love for the process of writing, but love for yourself and for the people who will read your work.

Today’s Challenge: Write down three reasons you love writing and how it can improve your life. Bonus points: watch Citizen Kane if you’ve never seen it!