Most of my High School years were spent trying to stay out of trouble. The only subjects I ever really did any good in were shop, gym and math. English? Not even close. In fact, the only good memory I have of English class was my freshman teacher, Mrs. Miller. It really didn’t even have anything to do with english, it was just that she was pretty cool!
You remember high school? How many cool english teachers do you remember? (No offense if you are an english teacher, remember – this was from the mindset of a teenage male.)
High School english class must have been a traumatic experience!
I honestly don’t even remember what we did in english class. Maybe I have formed one of those mental blocks that keeps you safe from traumatic experiences. So how does someone like that become a writer? I have no idea! It just sort of happened.
As a project manager in the construction world, I often needed to write letters. Usually they were because I wanted something that the person the letter was addressed to probably did not want to give me. Man, as I look back, I wrote some good ones. So I guess I became a writer by way of necessity but I never enjoyed it.
Somewhere around 250 blogs in less than two years, one kindle book and a hard copy due out later this spring. You know what? I like writing now. So what happened? I think it comes down to WHY you write. Just so happens that those in the Jeff Goins community were recently challenged with that question – Why do you write? Additionally there are many of us committing to 500 words or more every day this month. (Interested in joining in? Click here)
Isn’t about time you share your story?
I pondered this question for a while and I think it comes down to this – I write because it is a way for me to share my story and add value to others that I would not be able to otherwise. People all over the world read and comment on my thoughts and I think that’s pretty cool.
I used to live in a pretty small world with lots of walls but a few years back my world opened up, or maybe it was really my mind that did, but I realized that there are people that believe what you believe but think different thoughts everywhere.
Now I get to collaborate and connect with these people every day. I got to tell you – it has made a huge difference in my quality of life. It feels good to help other people and have them help you. I guess that’s why I write – it makes me feel good.
There are a couple of other reasons that I think are important. I believe everyone has a story, and their story needs to be told. What better way to do it than put it out there and share it. The other thing that I think results from writing – it empowers the reader to change the way they think. Some of you already know what’s coming next … my favorite quote by Dr. Wayne Dyer:
“When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.”
Could you use a little change in your life? What if your words could change the life of someone else? What if your story might just be what someone else needs to hear?
Obvious question today: What are you writing? Uh oh! I think I heard someone say they’re not writing? WHY NOT?
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Barry Smith 1/4/14 photo by author © Building What Matters 2014
This is deja-vu for me! Incidentally, I also wrote about my English teacher. Falling and remaining on the ground can be catastrophic! However, failing forward (learning from the event) and then forging ahead with greater resolve is where magic happens. Connecting with you has made a whole lot of difference in the quality of my relationships with others. Thanks Barry 🙂
Thanks Kimunya. That means a lot to me. Know that your friendship and our collaboration has been of great value to me as well. Take care my friend and continued success on the book!
Hi Barry
Your article brought back some amazing memories including the one of being the only Head Librarian in the history of my secondary school to be banned for two weeks! I was chatting up some girls in an area reserved for senior students only and took the fall like the true gentleman I am!
I have always loved reading, a habit I took up from my father, who was an incredibly self-educated man! Like you, I spent a lifetime in my Government career writing reports, so I was used to writing.
What really got me into writing for fun was my conversion to social media and setting up my blog. In the first instance, this was more about positioning my brand than enjoying writing for writing’s sake! Now I love to write and do so because I want to share my views, my opinions, my experiences and, occasionally, because I like to rant!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Great story John. Always enjoy your perspective. And hey, nothing wrong with an occasional rant – I think that’s what keeps us sane.
Wonderful article. I wandered in here through My500Words challenge and glad I did. I remember several ‘cool’ teachers. English, like you, not so much!! Although I recall one English teacher who would let go outside and have class under a large tree. That’s a memory. I am glad you decided to write. Thank you for sharing your talents with the world and telling your story. It’s true we all have a story to tell.
Glad I could bring up some “good” memories from the past Tony. Keep up the great work yourself and thanks for the encouraging words!