“Seriously? Why?”

That was the overwhelming response to me announcing to my friends that I was starting a blog to write down my thoughts on stuff and share my writing. A close second was, “You think people will actually read it?” and, “Didn’t those stop being cool in like 2008?”

Thanks guys.

My motivation for doing so came from a similar comment:

“You’re not creative.”

That was what someone I know told me, matter-of-factly, when I was thinking out loud and he overheard me thinking (get out of my thoughts, man!) that I was considering changing my major from finance to entrepreneurship. Immediately defensive, I hurled back, “I am too creative! I read books sometimes! And I kind of like art! And I own a MacBook!”

But his response was a solid one: “Okay, fair enough. But have you ever written a book? Created original art? Used your MacBook for anything other than bragging to people about your long battery life?” Seriously though, 12 hours of battery is ridiculous.

Now, I don’t necessarily believe that just because someone doesn’t create original works for a living automatically disqualifies them from being creative. But this thought-thief did have a point. The closest thing to genuine, intentional creativity on my part was when I played jazz drums in high school and my combo would reluctantly set aside a few measures for me to improvise. Guys, it was bad. I have the recordings somewhere. No bueno.

This guy was kind of right though, and I knew he was. Well…sort of. He’s wrong stating I’m not creative, because I am. But I couldn’t really argue with him, because I knew he wasn’t wrong in assuming I’m not creative, simply by the fact that I’ve never acted on that creativity. What have I done to show him I’m creative? I’ve never written anything that wasn’t for school, I can’t draw or paint to save my life, my resume looks like a template you download off of some website, and my one claim to photography greatness was a blurry photograph I got published on TMZ (no, seriously). He could say the same thing about school or sports or anything else in my life:

“You’re not smart.” “Yes I am!” “You don’t have straight A’s.” “Well, yeah, but, I mean, I’m smart but I’m not good at school and multiple-choice tests and I’m better at hands-on learning.” Okay. Translation: I don’t put most of my effort into studying.

“You’re bad at sports.” “No I’m not!” “Didn’t you bat like .220?” “Well, yeah, but, I mean, I’m more of a defense guy. I have the best arm and best speed on the team.” Right. Translation: I tried to get by on my natural, raw talent alone.

“You’re below average in the lady department.” “That girl looked at me that one time!” “Dude, she was apologizing for sneezing on you.” Shit. Can’t argue with that one.

The point is, I’ve never really put effort into bettering myself or actively pushing myself outside of my comfortable boundaries. I’ve always played it safe (or stupid): Knowing I can coast in school to barely get B’s instead of studying hard to reach for that A; Knowing I have natural talent so I’ll be guaranteed a spot on varsity instead of working hard enough to make all-conference.

I’ve always wanted to write or create in some capacity; I have since I first created magnet poetry on the whiteboard of my 5th grade English class. Guys, it was so bad. I think I have the poem somewhere.

Anyway, I’ve just never found an outlet or an audience or the “will” or drive to create my own original writings. But now I have. Don’t know where it came from, but here I am. I’m ready to create. Whether that’s creating original writings, creating an interesting resume, or simply creating a new outlook on life. I’ve recently found I want more from myself and more from life. I’m dedicated to bettering myself, becoming a better man, being more creative, working harder in school, trying to get in better shape. What better way to do that than start a blog and share my writing with others? At least it’s a start that might lead to something bigger and greater. I’ll probably be serious and funny and dumb and write about a variety of different stuff. It will mostly be terrible. But maybe not. And maybe my friends are right, maybe no one will read it. And that’s okay, because it’s good for me. So yeah, I am creative and I’m starting a blog!

“Seriously? Why?”

Sigh.