Writing can seem like a daunting task sometimes. People (including myself) tend to overthink the structure of our work, as if it always has to be something much more formal or drastically different from our everyday conversations. Maybe this stems from limited explorations in writing, where a lot of people as students were required to use such technical and formal writing that the action itself became an undesirable task altogether. Part of this can also be that when writing, we have more time to rework and rethink all that we say. When in conversation, you can try and correct yourself or clarify something after the fact, but whatever you said is still out there. With writing, you get that luxury of revision time, but that can also feel like a dreaded requirement to make all that you write sound... right. We aren't so scared of making mistakes when on social media, but even the idea long-form writing can send shivers down the spine.
I promise you, writing is not really that scary! You have more freedom with your words than you realize. Your writing identity is a part of you, and it can be worth a shot giving it some TLC by writing outside of assignments and requirements. Mindless journaling can be a great way to organize your thoughts and get them out of your head and into reality. Journaling is one of the ways I became more comfortable with writing. It helps me to draw conclusions and think more critically. I can play around with the millions of questions and ideas in my head, spurting out any phrases that come to mind. Sometimes, I can even find a diamond in the rough and run with the concept for more serious writing. I have said in the past that it is an outlet, but it's for more than just my emotional baggage. It helps me explore where I stand on issues by letting me have a conversation with myself. It allows me to communicate with people around the world online and open myself up to new perspectives and experiences. Writing is an incredible thing and a part of me wishes there could be a way to help other people with different or even flawed perceptions possibly find joy in this activity. That is part of why I am becoming an English teacher; to turn writing from a battle into a tool of success.
I know that a lot of people cannot see themselves enjoying writing unless they have actually explored doing it in their own time (fiction writing, personal journaling, etc.), and that is disheartening to me. My identity as a writer and a storyteller is a large part of who I am and what motivates me in life. I know that writing is never going to be something that appeals to everyone, but I wish people knew that they could have power in their words, and writing shouldn't have this looming power over them. Writing can let you materialize memories and moments, allowing you to remember just how hot the sun was that weekend and how cold you felt inside realizing you weren't going to see a friend again. Words can immortalize those moments you never want to forget, and words can be used to move on and heal.
If writing is something that scares you, try personal journaling and getting more comfortable with it. Focus on what you feel or run with a wild idea that pops into your head. Stop forcing yourself to limit your writing to painful MLA format or thinking your creative freelance has to always be some masterpiece. Some of the work you're proudest of may come by accident, or from raw emotional venting. But, you'll never know until you try!
Have fun, relax, and create to your heart's content!
