I read a quote from Ben Franklin the other day that seemed to suit me quite well, “Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing.” I think the quote is pretty dead on when it comes to life in general.
My only qualm with it is: why does it have to be one or the other?
I was born to write. I knew in my fifth grade language arts class that I wanted to write. Thanks to that teacher (Mrs. McKenzie – yes, I remember), who saw my potential at age 10 and, therefore, rearranged my curriculum so I could write as much as possible, I am still pursuing that dream.
So, I write.
I’d like to think that my writing is worth reading. I seem to have established a small following. From getting feedback on Twitter and Facebook, to the many comments left on my blog, I feel like I have accomplished at least that.
It’s so flattering for me to receive such positive feedback from my readers. Heck, it’s flattering when someone hates something I’ve written as well.
There are a couple reasons why I write.
- I write to gather my thoughts. I am one of those people who can write what I feel and express myself most clearly through written language. I have kept journals throughout my life (I have volumes) and I continue to write in them. Much like my personal journals, my blog is my sanctuary. Here, I write about what is going on. It’s not just a way to keep family and friends “in the loop,” but it’s also a way for me to document my journey through life. One day, I will look back and re-read all of my entries and be able to live forever.
- I write to start dialogue. I love nothing more than to hear feedback, opinions and general comments on what I write about. Much of what I’ve experienced and have come to know in my young age is, and will be, valuable knowledge for the rest of my life. My goal is to affect the lives of others. Whether it is through a post about the conflict in Iran, dating and relationships, or my move to San Francisco, I want to touch someone. Reach just one person. Speak or relate to another’s experience. Open the door for communication.
Within today’s society (and it’s getting better, at least I hope), I feel as if everyone is shut off. Everyone has closed their doors to communication. Everything is private and confidential. I don’t know if this protection is due to fear or lack of ability, but I want to break down those walls.
I don’t care how much money you make, what you do for a living, how old you are, where you went to school, or how many siblings you have.
Cut the small talk.
I want to know what you dream of. I want to know what you ache for, what you desire. I want to know how you think, how you breathe, how you soak in the moments of every day. I want to know how you love, how you let love. I want to know how you cry, what makes you cry, why. I want to know how you deal with life’s betrayals and the pain that comes with. Do you hide it, push it away, or try and fix it. Do you put your happiness before others’. I want to know what makes you laugh, smile, dance. What makes you throw away all your inhibitions and just be. Who can you trust and what makes someone trustworthy. Are you trustworthy. I want to know if you can see beauty even if it’s not pretty. Do you earn or take. Live or watch. Fantasize or accept. I want to know what tires you and what excited you. What thrills you and what bores you. I want to know what you consider is true happiness. With oneself and with others. What keeps you alive when all else has failed.
I want to know what really matters.
In today’s society, all of these truths are lost in the hustle and bustle of routine. That is one of my biggest fears. Losing the passion in my life to the “same ‘ol, same ‘ol.”
Now, the second part of the quote, “…do something worth writing.”
The easy response for me would be, “Duh. I just picked up my entire life and moved 1268 miles away from everything I knew. Isn’t that doing something work writing?”
Well, yes and no. Yes, of course my big move into the city and my new job and chapter in my life qualifies as doing something worth writing. I’ve been writing about it for weeks. But, I want more. Now that I’m here, I don’t want to get sucked into the routine of work, sleep, work, sleep. I must strive for more.
There is so much to do out here in the city. There are so many people to meet, so many friends to make. So much to explore and experience and learn. I know I’ve only been here for a little less than a month, but I have barely dipped my big toe into everything there is here in San Francisco. I will push myself to continue to do things worth writing and never becoming complacent and “settled.”
I will forever be unsettled. And, quite frankly, I love it.
My blog is, of course, all about me. But, as I stated before, I write to inspire dialogue – to get you, my readers, to stop for a second and think. About you.
So tell me. Tell me what really matters to you. What makes you tick. What is worth reading or worth writing in your life.
Are you a professional journalist? You write very well.
I want to do something worth writing. I don’t know what it is yet, but I have a need to do something worthwhile and influential. Something that’ll have a huge impact. Who knows. 😀
And a lot of people are definitely closed off. No one knows what anyone’s really like, and this makes it so hard for me to trust anyone. But I do enjoy trying to figure people out. I’ve been getting fairly decent at reading people, and everyone is always interesting.
I love reading your writing… especially this last one when you take a great quote and write your thoughts on it. I read your blog all the time and enjoy it all! Love you!
I added your blog to bookmarks. And i’ll read your articles more often!
Hmmm… You got me thinking. What makes me tick? It would be the obvious answer to say my family, children and husband, but I think that is an easy out. I love helping others, and fixing something that is broken and putting it back together. Whether it be a bandaid and a kiss, or a shoulder to lean on, my passion in life is helping others fix what needs to be mended. I am certainly no writer, and I highly doubt anyone would read what I would write about, but I love your blog and it has inspired me to start a journal. Thank you!!
Lo, Couldn’t have stated it better myself! You’re settling into your new life and are now looking for additional ways to experience the fullness of purpose. You know your passion – impacting others through words. And you do it very well. I am proud of you. As you settle in, my advice is to stay in the present; take time to watch this life you’ve created unfold. And you’re right…it is both….and interchangeable and you can even do both at the same time ifnyawanna. As far as the ‘closed-down-ness’ of society, you can only affect your world, the people you contact, but each of them can tell two people and so on….and then the ripple affect and viola! the world is open again and all caring and sharing!! WOW
All about me…..abridged.
Like you, I knew what I wanted to do by 8th grade. I was born curious about everything and everyone around me. I’m pretty sure it was predestined that I become a psychologist! This is what I do and have done effortlessly and joyfully for 30 years ( yikes I’m way older than I feel!)
What stirs me up are: neglected and/or abused kids, movie “talkers”, disingenuous chit chat, jeans that don’t zip, the absence of spirit, imagination and gratitude ,AND highway drivers on cellphones! This is my short list.
I love, in no particular order: stories (real or fabricated) that make me laugh till it hurts, Martin Buber’s I and Thou, the arts,anything that activates my senses,old friends,new friends,San Francisco, junk food, the wonder of little kids AND getting to know YOU through your writing!!!! Good things are worth waiting for…….
LOL
Interesting and informative. But will you write about this one more?
It’s interesting to find how challenging the content side is for some
Lo! I have been reading your writing ever since I can remember and each time I read a new piece I am moved and more fulfilled with your words. You melt my heart with everything you say forever and always! You are so talented and you are always touching people through your amazing words. I know you have changed my life and I am sure you are touching so many others. Please always stay true to yourself, pick up and move and change whenever you see fit becasue it works for you! You have changed so much in this month and the change is amazing. Our generations of past have closed themselves off and locked themselves away, living in fear of being judged and I am here to tell you OUR generation is here to change that! We are here to live out loud and share everything about ourselves but I agree cut the small talk because we need more! Keep up the amazing work and know I will always be inspired by YOU!!!
I liked it. So much useful material. I read with great interest.