Zia’s Lame Thoughts | #1

For some reason, I've been thinking back on why I first joined this site.

I never joined it to write. I never even planned on sharing my work because, if you all recall my introduction post, I truly believed myself when I said, "I can't write for jack squat." Yet here I am, tooting my occasional little brain farts - something I never would have done had it not been for the encouragement I received from other writers. 

There seems to be a point after continually receiving support and encouragement where we get comfortable with obtaining praise and not returning it. I say this because I'm guilty of it. We all are, whether we've been conscious of it or not. Now, I'm not saying this to accuse, demean, or put anyone down - my reasons couldn't be farther from these three. I say this more as a reminder to myself and others to pause, take a breath, and focus on the audience.

There's no doubt that we have exceptional talent on this site, as well as beyond the realm of Prose, but talent can only get us so far. I believe what truly makes a writer a good writer is one who's also a reader. A commenter. A reposter. An encourager. If you love your audience, your audience will love you. We're all writers, we're all someone's audience, and we're all unique. There is no above and below, only individuality.  

My thought of the day is this: Remember to support those who support you. You never know when another Zia might come along, convinced they have nothing to contribute. Your support might just be the push they need to break through their self doubt, find their voice, and shine among the rest of us.

Sincerely,

a Zia