Why I'm writing

I decided a while back that I’d like to start writing and throwing it out to the internet. In particular I thought I wanted to write around the topic of my podcast Uncomfortable is OK. The more I think about it, the more it seems to make sense.

I understand that some people get more from engaging with written content than with audio content. The visual learners as opposed to the aural learners, or people that enjoy a mix. I figure that writing may be more interesting to those people. It may also help me figure out my ideas a bit more from approaching them through a different medium.

I’m also hoping that with writing, that the people who listen to the podcast, read my work, or engage with the concept somehow, may be more inclined to share their uncomfortable stories. The written format can be less confronting than a conversation, and retain some anonymity which audio doesn’t always allow. Hopefully it’ll be an area where we can inspire each other to get out of our comfort zones.

There are other, more selfish reasons as well. I want to improve my writing ability, and what better way than to actually holding myself accountable to stick to a schedule. Then actually going about publishing it for some real time feedback. Hopefully it will hone my skills reasonably quickly.

I’ve mentioned this on my podcast but sometimes I get ideas in my head which fizz around like a Berocca in a glass of water (overseas reader may have to Google that). Sometimes it’s not until I’ve had a conversation or write things down that my ideas become more focused. Often I surprise myself as I pick some thought out that had been flitting around the edges of my consciousness. I guess it’s a way for me to be able to explore the way my brain works a little more.

It’s also UNCOMFORTABLE putting out creative work, or anything you feel close to, into the public sphere. You’re never sure how it’s going to go and what the reception will be. I struggled with that a bit launching the podcast, but because of that experience I’m probably a bit more relaxed about staring writing. However in a society that views failure in a negative way (think of how we react when the All Blacks lose), that perception of “the fail” is never that far away. I’m trying to practice what I preach in this instance. The sense of discomfort I feel at the moment as I type and as I go to hit publish is OK, it’s something I can sit with and push through.

Probably the main reason that I’m starting writing is that I’m curious. Curious about other people’s thoughts and experiences about being uncomfortable. Curious about learning about myself. Curious to see where this journey takes us.

As a bit of a disclaimer, what I write about will be my thoughts on a topic at the time. I’m sure if you stick at reading my stuff long enough, you’ll see this evolve as I experience more, and hopefully think more as well.