Celebrating My Writing Journey: From Doubt to Ten Followers
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Chapter 1: The Early Days of My Writing Aspirations
Three to four years ago, I found myself pondering the significance of having just ten followers on Medium amidst a vast sea of authors. Was there really a cause for celebration?
Internal Reflections
Back then, my internal monologue often echoed sentiments like, “You aren’t a writer; you didn’t pursue formal education in writing, so what do you really know?” This kind of self-doubt plagued my creativity. Though I yearned to express my ideas, those around me seemed disinterested in my topics. I struggled with this dynamic for far too long, feeling stifled and unappreciated. Eventually, my desire to share and process my thoughts led me to invest in a Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE. My initial goals were straightforward: write three thousand words in two weeks, and aim to publish my first book within five months. I had long dreamed of writing a novel, but the daunting tasks of choosing a subject, completing the manuscript, editing, and promoting it felt overwhelming.
Transitioning Tools
As time passed, I decided to upgrade my writing tools, moving from my Galaxy Tab to a MacBook Air M1. This decision was driven by my preference for writing software that only worked on Apple devices. By embracing the cloud-based storage system, I mitigated my fears of losing content—be it through human error or technical mishaps. However, I still questioned whether anyone would care about my insights.
Chapter 2: Gaining Insight Through Feedback
The Value of Ten
Realizing that even ten individuals among billions were interested in my thoughts felt like a monumental achievement. It marked a stark contrast to the days when my ideas were trapped by self-doubt. It took me around four years to break free from this self-imposed prison and embrace my writing journey fully. In a world that emphasizes efficiency and numbers, these ten followers symbolize the foundation for what lies ahead.
Chapter 3: Embracing My Writing Identity
Celebrating Progress
I take time to celebrate the stages of my writing journey—from igniting the desire to write to registering my domain name. I could have labeled myself a writer after penning my first fifty-word poem, but I hesitated.
Self-Critique
My internal dialogue often undermines my progress, humorously critiquing my achievements. “Writers have novels or earn a living through their writing; what do you have with just a handful of words?” This self-criticism is both troubling and amusing. I wonder if others experience similar thoughts. Ultimately, this is a part of my identity as a writer, and perspective is vital! Though accolades may be few, my ten followers, who likely see themselves as writers too, affirm the purpose behind my initial impulses to share. As Dr. Brian Goldman once said, “Writers write...”
From Internal Struggles to Public Sharing
I have always been a writer—from crafting my first sermon over twenty years ago to penning heartfelt messages in birthday cards. What I cherish now is breaking free from the confines of my mind, liberating my fears, and boldly declaring to the world that I am, indeed, a writer.