The Words I Write

Writing helps bring together the jumbled, chaotic thoughts zipping around in my mind to form some sort of logic. I have found it to be the best way to process what I think, how I feel and the way I perceive the world around me. It is not only my outlet, but a way to make sense of my thoughts.

For years I have written and not shared it with anyone for fear of what others would say or think. But once I worked up the courage to share I found that writing was more than my thoughts on a computer screen with a title across the top. Publishing my written word has unveiled another level of understanding for me. It has provided another perspective beyond my own.

When my draft goes to published, I am opening myself up for scrutiny. Which is undeniably terrifying, but publishing has, surprisingly, been where I learn the most. Just like all other written word, my words are open for interpretation. Everyone has their own version of the story. We all have our perception of the truth and take actions and words personally. It’s what we do.

Just as writing is an avenue for expressing feelings and thoughts, social media provides the same outlet. Commenting on a status, article or picture or selecting a feeling emoji is an easy way to declare your perception without seeing or dealing with the reaction of others. The honesty found in “reactions” and comments on social media is very telling. It gives me an interesting insight into how others perceive what I have said.

When I first began to read the comments posted about my writing I struggled. If there was even the slightest indication that someone hadn’t perceived what I had written the way I had intended it, I wanted to correct them, to set them straight, to further explain myself by replying back or posting a rebuttal comment. However, I am working towards accepting that my words will be interpreted in a hundred different ways.

It is apparent that what I thought I said isn’t always what people read. But more importantly, that this is okay. People are presented with my articles in a different place, a different time, a different understanding, a different world than I am when I write them. As a writer you come to accept the beauty of interpretation. And you learn to become a better writer because of it.

Although, I cannot control the way another interprets or perceives what I’ve written, I do know it is easy to say, “Amen!” after reading something you agree with, but not so easy when you disagree. I will continue to accept and learn from other’s interpretations of my writing knowing that what I have to say will not always receive an “Amen!” My greatest hope is that I am able to connect with and encourage others with the words I have to say, Amen or not.