This is wonderfully inspiring. I wrote a response to someone else earlier saying M we write for ourselves first and foremost, to organise our own thoughts into coherence, and sharing our considered thoughts and ideas isn’t to persuade people to our point of view particularly, but simply to prompt others consider theirs and clarify their own thoughts. It’s all good.
I’m a step or two behind you. I told my sister I was thinking of writing, when I met her last week. Having been touched by your gentle encouragement, I’m feeling 2025 will indeed be when I begin moving from responding to posting for myself :)
This is so beautiful 🥹 Thank you so much for sharing, Mark! It's amazing how much I can relate to your story even though we're at different stages in life. I didn't expect that my post on the struggles of finding a niche would lead to this friendship 🤍 I think that's really the power of writing—we get to connect with people that we otherwise never would encounter. 🥹
It's amazing to think that we were complete strangers just a month ago, and now we read other's writings and connect with our personal stories 💖 I don't know where we will be a year from now, but I'm excited more than anything ✨ I support you and wish you all the best on your journey! 💖
Aww thanks Alea, it really is weird isn't it how things work out. I had no idea I would enjoy this so much, the writing, the connections, the looking forward to seeing people post things. I can't wait to see where your journey takes you and I too, wish you all the best and will continue to support you as you, as we grow :)
I've been reading quite a bit of your writing today and came across this. So glad I did!
I've been lurking around in the background here on Substack for several months, trying to get up the courage to begin. I'm so used to hiding out in the background, but writing is such a part of me. I can't imagine NOT writing! It's hitting that "publish" button that scares me. (Plus, not really understanding how Substack works!)
Thank you Jackie, for both reading and for letting me know. It really sounds like you are where I was not that long ago at all. I didn’t even feel comfortable commenting for a long time, like my voice didn’t matter or wasn’t valuable.
In all honesty now, I say what I feel, writing, and more importantly publishing has given me the confidence to say what I feel and think without worrying about fear of being judged.
I’m glad you feel encouraged by what you have read. I really hope you hit that publish button soon, the only regret you will have is not doing it sooner!
Thanks for reading Leo 😊 I do think since writing that maybe my “why” has changed a little bit, but It’s still the same ballpark, I do intend to revisit on the anniversary and see just how much my reasons for writing have changed after that long.
Maybe "why" comes later and the important thing for now is that you "do". You can work the rest out as you go. You might find out your motivations change as you go!
Thank you for reading and I look forward to seeing the results of your creativity.
Lovely. Honestly, I started writing not for any emotional or self help kind of reason, I started to write to develop a skill. After reading Cal Newport's So Good They Can't Ignore You, I don't encourage the idea of following passion, instead now I prefer developing skills now. But writing helps me think deeply, otherwise, I'm a shallow thinker.
It's like going to the gym for your mind isn't it. You can read all you like and that will get you so far but there's nothing like actually writing to pump the mental iron and develop your brain as a muscle.
That's a messy thought, perhaps I'll revisit it and write a less messy note.
Thanks for reading and commenting Mayank and sharing why you started.
This is wonderfully inspiring. I wrote a response to someone else earlier saying M we write for ourselves first and foremost, to organise our own thoughts into coherence, and sharing our considered thoughts and ideas isn’t to persuade people to our point of view particularly, but simply to prompt others consider theirs and clarify their own thoughts. It’s all good.
I’m a step or two behind you. I told my sister I was thinking of writing, when I met her last week. Having been touched by your gentle encouragement, I’m feeling 2025 will indeed be when I begin moving from responding to posting for myself :)
You're definitely right with your comment Michael and there's no better time to start a new habit than a new year!
If you're looking for a sign to start posting yourself, this is it!
This is so beautiful 🥹 Thank you so much for sharing, Mark! It's amazing how much I can relate to your story even though we're at different stages in life. I didn't expect that my post on the struggles of finding a niche would lead to this friendship 🤍 I think that's really the power of writing—we get to connect with people that we otherwise never would encounter. 🥹
It's amazing to think that we were complete strangers just a month ago, and now we read other's writings and connect with our personal stories 💖 I don't know where we will be a year from now, but I'm excited more than anything ✨ I support you and wish you all the best on your journey! 💖
Aww thanks Alea, it really is weird isn't it how things work out. I had no idea I would enjoy this so much, the writing, the connections, the looking forward to seeing people post things. I can't wait to see where your journey takes you and I too, wish you all the best and will continue to support you as you, as we grow :)
A beer bar is the right place to run into interesting folks! :)
I've been reading quite a bit of your writing today and came across this. So glad I did!
I've been lurking around in the background here on Substack for several months, trying to get up the courage to begin. I'm so used to hiding out in the background, but writing is such a part of me. I can't imagine NOT writing! It's hitting that "publish" button that scares me. (Plus, not really understanding how Substack works!)
Your writing encourages me. Thank you! 😊
Thank you Jackie, for both reading and for letting me know. It really sounds like you are where I was not that long ago at all. I didn’t even feel comfortable commenting for a long time, like my voice didn’t matter or wasn’t valuable.
In all honesty now, I say what I feel, writing, and more importantly publishing has given me the confidence to say what I feel and think without worrying about fear of being judged.
I’m glad you feel encouraged by what you have read. I really hope you hit that publish button soon, the only regret you will have is not doing it sooner!
Even as a late-blooming professional writer, I relate to and value all of that. It may be the glue that holds us all together. 🙂
Thanks for reading Leo 😊 I do think since writing that maybe my “why” has changed a little bit, but It’s still the same ballpark, I do intend to revisit on the anniversary and see just how much my reasons for writing have changed after that long.
I'm still trying to figure out why I write but thank you for sharing your "why" :)
Maybe "why" comes later and the important thing for now is that you "do". You can work the rest out as you go. You might find out your motivations change as you go!
Thank you for reading and I look forward to seeing the results of your creativity.
Love this piece but can I just say I LOVE YOUR THUMBNAILS!!!! REMINDS OF THE GAMES I USED TO PLAY ON GAMEBOYS
Thanks Kishly, it's just AI generated art, I can't claim credit for creating them I'm afraid but I do like the style.
I am an teacher... not a coach...
I am a coach... not an administrator....
I am an administrator... not a recruiter...
I am a recruiter... not a writer...
You know what? I am whoever I want to be right now so f*ck off. Lol.
You do you Jo, as long as you want it, go get it! 🤣
Yeah... I got a little aggressive there, didn't I? Lol.
There's nothing wrong with being be aggressive sometimes, let it take you where it will 😂
Lovely. Honestly, I started writing not for any emotional or self help kind of reason, I started to write to develop a skill. After reading Cal Newport's So Good They Can't Ignore You, I don't encourage the idea of following passion, instead now I prefer developing skills now. But writing helps me think deeply, otherwise, I'm a shallow thinker.
It's like going to the gym for your mind isn't it. You can read all you like and that will get you so far but there's nothing like actually writing to pump the mental iron and develop your brain as a muscle.
That's a messy thought, perhaps I'll revisit it and write a less messy note.
Thanks for reading and commenting Mayank and sharing why you started.
perfection is the enemy of done i've found so finally i just started doing ☺️✌️cheers Mark