One Week Ago
In my initial blog, I introduced myself as a student-athlete. But I would like to take the time to introduce myself as a writer. Beginning at a very young age, I loved to read. I would have my nose stuck in a book for hours on end, staying up until I finished the book around midnight, because I simply could not stop. On the rare occasion that I ended up in trouble, my mom would not ground me from television or video games, but from my books. That was the worst possible punishment for me. It was from this love of reading that my desire to write blossomed.
There is nothing better than finding yourself completely engulfed in a story. I wanted more than anything to be able to write so well that my readers would discover a whole new world I had placed before them. I began to write my first story in the fifth grade. I still have the notebook with my wild ideas running across the pages, taking life in their own eleven-year-old, creative way. Every once in a while, I like to take the time to glance through it. At that age, there were no limits to the things I could write about. I had absolutely no shame. Something I have recently begun to understand is the delicacy of a young writers ego. Without even realizing it, I have become an over-thinker. I hesitate to claim my love for writing, in fear of it being judged. I revise and revise and revise my works because I never feel they are worth anybody else’s time. My cheeks even flushed when my best friend asked to read a piece of my writing this last summer. I glance back at that notebook and wish I could write with that much confidence again.
I took a leap of faith this year, after I did end up allowing my best friend to read some of my work. He built up the confidence I needed to apply as a writing minor. Everybody has those dreams that feel out of reach, but beginning this semester I have stepped out of my comfort zone to move closer towards one of mine. One week ago, I would have never even considered blogging. Two blogs in, and I have already learned to appreciate the opportunity to put my words out there and express my thoughts on athletics in hopes of inspiring others. It is about time I throw hesitation out the window, and just write.
