Jumping In

What’s so scary about writing something, anyway?

I've read quite a few posts since joining Medium, and I’ll be the first one to tell you that I don’t know why I’m here if I’m not writing and I don’t think I belong here. No, this is for people who do things, can write things pretty eloquently, or at least have something to say. Me? I’m just a reader who likes to think I can write, or think that I want to write. I don’t put my money where my mouth is because… well, because there’s nothing scarier than doing exactly what it is that one wants to do. So instead I think I’ll cheat a bit, and write about how tough it is for me to put something out there… out anywhere!

It’s hard to overcome the fear of writing something wrong, not interesting, or plain old ridiculous. I don’t want to be the “Hi mom!” gal who just walks in front of the camera. I don’t want to put something out there just for attention. I want to put something out there so I can be heard and reach people like me. You know, people who are too scared to post anything or say anything for fear of getting lost in the noise as best, deemed a waste of space at worst.

No one wants to be thought of as ridiculous, no one wants to waste anyone’s time. We… or rather, I… want to connect, want to share my experiences so that someone out there knows that they’re not alone. Why? Well, because maybe it’s not ridiculous, and maybe there are loads of people out there who want to know that they aren't ridiculous either.

You, too?! Oh, grand! … Yeah, it would be like that.

There are one hundred things that I can think of that are easier than writing a post or submitting an article that has the possibility of being seen by somebody, anybody. Mostly, because it will definitely not be seen by anybody… and also because it will likely not be good. However, you can fix something that isn't good… theoretically.

OK, so basically the scariest thing about submitting something is that it won’t be seen. Also, maybe I’m not afraid to write, because that’s what I’m doing now, isn't it?

Which is why I’m posting this.

I mean, why not, right?