Why write?
Why throw my thoughts out to whoever discovers them in the wide, dark web?
It’s a question that I ask myself regularly, even as I type yet another blog post or take another photo. Sometimes it seems utterly pointless, a waste of time. At its worst, I feel terrible vain, thinking that my small experiences would matter or be of interest to anyone. And perhaps they don’t. But I still write.
Blogging has been cathartic
While the idea of creating a public space for creative writing has come and gone in waves, it really took hold in 2020. Stuck at home, struggling to find things to do and beginning to hate my job, I seriously considered blogging for the first time. But I didn’t start until early 2021, when some of the hardest waves seemed behind me.
It’s been cathartic, writing about grief, infertility and other struggles or joys. I have always enjoyed writing a journal, and still do. But this time, writing to private pages didn’t feel enough. I needed to write about things to somebody else. Not another member of my family or my friends. They were too close. But not only to myself. That felt like writing in a tight, sad circle. I needed to write to a faceless audience. I wanted enough professionalism to stop me wallowing and make me form my thoughts coherently.
So, I started Waiting for Olives. Over the last year, I’ve found writing deeply cathartic. Sometimes I cry over my keyboard as I write. Terrible as that sounds, it’s actually good. It’s getting it out, rather than holding it all in.
The lighter articles are helpful too. I love writing the book reviews. Gosh, it’s been fun having something that pushes me to read new books and think about them. Whoever said they hated book reviews at school?! Last year had a lot of hard times. It was a lovely distraction to be forced to write a travel article, a book review or a (honestly terrible) capsule wardrobe post. This year has been weird in it’s own way and again writing has been both distraction and catharsis.
Having a creative outlet is so important
Loads of studies tell you this. But I guess I didn’t bother. There was work, life admin and friends. Of an evening I would watch TV or read if I wasn’t out with friends or family. Where would I have time for creative pursuits?
Then along came a lockdown and I had time. I got back into sewing, embroidery and journaling. At the time, I didn’t really reflect much on it. I just needed something to do. As we came out of the intensity of 2020, I realised that I needed something to make me be creative. If I felt I had a commitment to something, I was much more likely to keep it up and reap the benefits.
That’s where the blog has helped again. I have to think creatively about what I’m writing, but also what I will write about, the best image and how all the search engine optimisation is working. There’s been quite a few new skills learned, I can tell you!
Keeping up with the blog has reawakened my creative side in other areas too. I’ve been sewing more and branching into embroidery too. As I reflect on my attempts at minimalism, I’ve been finding ways to be more frugal in the home. I’m reading so much more which is lovely!
All this from the decision to start writing a blog (even if a blog is so 2010).
Making sure I write is a challenge, but challenge is good
Sometimes I forget. I’m sure you’ve noticed the occasional quiet Monday. There are definitely times when I’m struck with writer’s block and struggle to pull something together. I have definitely complained to my husband at times about the work needed to keep this up.
Why did I do this to myself? Is often a thought as I try to write after a long work day, or on a sunny Saturday. I come back to the question: why write? Who’s reading anyway? It’s a challenge to push myself to keep writing and promoting Waiting for Olives. But a challenge is good. While it is hard, the hard things are what make you grow stronger.
That’s why I write. To process those hard things and grow stronger and more creative through that.
That’s the goal, anyway. Perhaps you can relate. Maybe something I write brings you enjoyment or an ‘ah ha’ moment. If so, that’s amazing and I’m so happy about that! Because writing something that resonates with someone is the best part of this whole funny little endeavour.
