Niall, you say, "I'm not a writer (yet)," but you are! You are a writer already! I just want to validate that. A writer is one who writes. Sure, we each have our own definitions of success, and many think in order to call ourselves a writer, we have to accomplish certain things.
But if you write, you're a writer.
I want to thank you for your voice and presence here. I feel a sense of relief in knowing that the insights and lessons I'm learning at age 43 are happening to others around the world, as well.
Jeannie, thank you for this reminder. When I wrote that, it was through the context of not making a living from writing "yet". You're spot on though. Being a writer isn't contingent on earning a living from it. The act of writing itself is enough.
While I'm already fully satisfied with the creative act itself, I'm so glad you find value in these reflections on life. It adds to the feeling.
Despite my height and late start, I chose basketball.
I also spent a few years running XC for conditioning. It didn't fuel a love of running but did give me some insight into the joy and clarity that can be experienced.
I’m thrilled that you were able to get back on the saddle and write this week Audra. I share in the experience you described. Notes contains many posts from writers on this topic. Substack is an amazing platform with many upsides but one of the challenges is comparison. Love that line “comparison kills creativity”. So accurate.
Niall, you say, "I'm not a writer (yet)," but you are! You are a writer already! I just want to validate that. A writer is one who writes. Sure, we each have our own definitions of success, and many think in order to call ourselves a writer, we have to accomplish certain things.
But if you write, you're a writer.
I want to thank you for your voice and presence here. I feel a sense of relief in knowing that the insights and lessons I'm learning at age 43 are happening to others around the world, as well.
Jeannie, thank you for this reminder. When I wrote that, it was through the context of not making a living from writing "yet". You're spot on though. Being a writer isn't contingent on earning a living from it. The act of writing itself is enough.
While I'm already fully satisfied with the creative act itself, I'm so glad you find value in these reflections on life. It adds to the feeling.
I'm glad it's validating to the excellent work you're putting into the world.
You should follow Karel Sabbe!! He's an inspirational ultra runner, his mantra is 'slow is smooth, smooth is fast'.
I'll look him up on Instagram :)
Awesome stuff Niall!
I’m early in my public writing journey but I absolutely see the correlation to my previous journey as a college athlete.
I'm sure those experiences will help prepare you for this new journey, Jamal. What sport did you do?
Despite my height and late start, I chose basketball.
I also spent a few years running XC for conditioning. It didn't fuel a love of running but did give me some insight into the joy and clarity that can be experienced.
Cool man! I grew up in sports and running felt like a punishment lol. Now I love long meandering runs as a means of exploring places.
That's awesome! It's wild how much our perspective can change on something.
I’m thrilled that you were able to get back on the saddle and write this week Audra. I share in the experience you described. Notes contains many posts from writers on this topic. Substack is an amazing platform with many upsides but one of the challenges is comparison. Love that line “comparison kills creativity”. So accurate.