Writing as a skill

As a writer, I often go through periods where I don't write anything. Sometimes I want to write, but I lack the inspiration. Sometimes I have nothing to write about, so I do a lot of reading instead. And then, sometimes I feel hopeless because I have not written anything in a little while. BUT, then I remind myself that these are all regular emotional ups and downs of any writer. I have found though (with age, I guess), that writing all the time does not validate you as a writer. It certainly is a plus, but not THE plus! On the contrary, the "dry spells" that we experience are a part of the creative process. Of course when you start writing, it is exciting to keep doing it but the test is when you cannot or when you will not or when you do not want to write. Writing is a lifetime skill. Once a writer, I believe, is always a writer. How often you do it, will depend on where you are (emotionally), what you see (physically/spiritually), and your state of mind (mentally).