avatarMaria Angel Ferrero

Summary

The author uses writing as a form of non-violent confrontation to express thoughts and feelings that are otherwise difficult to articulate, viewing it as a means of protest and fighting for personal ideals and values.

Abstract

The article discusses the author's journey with writing as a tool for self-expression and confrontation. Initially, writing served as a therapeutic outlet to deal with challenges and avoid direct confrontations. However, the author realized that writing is not just a passive escape but an active form of protest and fighting for one's beliefs. It allows for a structured reflection on personal ideals and can evoke strong reactions from readers, some of whom may be opposed to the writer's viewpoints. The permanence of written words means they can influence perceptions long after they are published, which can be both empowering and daunting. The author emphasizes that the fear of judgment should not deter one from writing, as the primary purpose of writing is to fulfill an internal need to speak one's truth, regardless of external opinions.

Opinions

  • Writing is an effective way to communicate thoughts and feelings for those who struggle with direct confrontation.
  • The author initially believed writing was a way to avoid conflict but later recognized it as a form of fighting and protesting.
  • Confrontation, even when risky or unpopular, is necessary to stand up for one's ideals and values.
  • Writing helps in developing character and overcoming silence, but it requires careful consideration of the impact of one's words.
  • The act of writing is likened to preparing for battle, where the pen is a weapon and thoughts are organized for the next strike.
  • The permanence of written words means they can be used for or against the author indefinitely, which can be both a source of empowerment and a cause for concern.
  • The author acknowledges that not everyone will appreciate or agree with what is written, and this should not prevent one from expressing their thoughts.
  • Writing is a personal endeavor that fulfills an intrinsic need to speak one's mind, and it is more important than seeking approval from all readers.

Write as if Your Life Depended on It

How to prepare yourself for confrontation.

Photo by Jacqueline Day on Unsplash

The major reason I started writing was that I needed to speak my mind.

I’ve never been good with confrontation. I am not those tough women who aren’t afraid of saying loud and clear what they think and want. I am not that brave.

I am merely a peaceful person. I don’t go looking for a fight, and fights rarely find me. And, even when it finds me, I prefer to leave the ring.

The issue with avoiding confrontation is that you keep to yourself thoughts and feelings that have a place outside. Those thoughts and feelings end becoming illnesses and regrets over the years.

When I started writing, I discovered a completely novel way to speak my mind.

In the beginning, it served only as therapy. That’s what I thought. Writing helped me to digest the challenges, disagreements, unfair treatment, or crappy situations I was going through.

I thought by writing I was avoiding confrontation while still letting all those feelings and thoughts out. I thought I was finding my way out of fights.

The worst battle is the one you don’t fight.

Turns out I was wrong. Fortunately, wrong.

Writing as I’ve always said is an extension of my mind to speak what my voice can’t. Writing has helped me fight those battles. Because the worst battle is the one you don’t fight.

Yes, there is a risk of failing. But is it really a risk? Would you be defeated?

Confrontation, even at the risk of not winning, is the only opportunity you have to stand your ground. Because, who will stand by your ideals and values, if it’s not you? Who will stand up for you? No one, unfortunately.

Writing helps you develop character and find your way out of silence.

Now, that being said. Stepping out from silence is not easy. Words have weight, they have an impact.

So, you may need to be prepared for what this means. Especially, if you, like me, prefer to avoid confrontation.

Writing is protesting

Silence feels safe. Yes, it can feel awkward and painful. But it feels safe.

Writing about what is stifling you is protesting against it.

When you are an activist, you advocate strongly for a cause, and you do it by taking an active part in such a cause. There is no such a better feeling than when you campaign for something you believe in. You feel empowered, unstoppable, alive.

Writing allows you to take the time to question yourself, structure your thoughts, and reflect on your feelings.

Writing makes you feel strong and confident about your beliefs.

But not everyone likes protests, nor activists. When you stand loud and clear by an ideal, not everyone will like it. People will tag you as a nonconformist. Many won’t like what you have to say.

Many will deem you a looter, even when you are just fighting for your rights.

Writing is fighting

When you are sitting in front of a blank page is like when a warrior is preparing for a battle. You are raising your pen — your weapon — and getting ready for your mind to cry “fire”.

You feel strong, nothing is stopping you now. It is too late to turn back now, you can only move forward. Either you fight, or you die.

In the beginning, it’s messy. Words go out like poisoned arrows in every direction. You are just hoping one will get the enemy. Then your mind takes the lead, organizing thoughts, and prepares for the next strike.

But like in any fight, people will get hurt. You might as well.

No matter how good your intentions are, or how much you trust your beliefs. Fights will get ugly, even when you are fighting for a fair cause.

In a fight, there are always two sides. And every opponent is ready to fight with her life. It doesn't matter who is wrong and who is right.

So you better be ready for the next hit, because your adversary will not stay put just to wait for you to strike again. He will be ready to fight back and fight back hard.

No one said it would be easy. Once you raise your fist, there is no way back. But you can’t win the war if you don’t fight your battles.

Writing is forever

Words fly, writings remain. Forever.

Unless you keep it in your intimate journal, your writings will follow you forever and after.

People may forget what you have said in the past. It takes time, especially when it disrupts their beliefs, but eventually, they forget.

But when you write, your thoughts remain and may hunt you forever. No matter if you meant them or not.

People will use your writings to put you on a label. They’ll use it for and against you. Forever.

Will that stop you from writing?

Fear of judgment is one reason you probably hate confrontation. I know I don’t like being judged. But is that stopping me? No.

Life is full of trolls and haters. And that has nothing to do with your writing.

Remember the saying that goes “You’re not everyone’s cup of tea”.

Well, that’s true. You are not in this world to please everybody, and that’s ok. Haters will be haters.

There is nothing you can do to change their mind and ease their anger. But, should you care?

The answer depends on what matters to you. Who matters?

Acknowledging from the beginning that not everyone will be happy with your writings will save you from the unproductive effort of trying to please them.

Then, remember

Why did you start writing? Why did you feel the urge to put your thoughts on paper? Why?

You are writing because you matter. You write because what you have to say is important for you, not for others.

You are writing because you don’t know better.

You are writing because your life depends on it.

Writing
Self Improvement
Motivation
Creativity
Self
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