Absolutely! Writing to understand yourself is just the first step and if you reach to that point it's worth it.
But if one wants to truly make a difference, you have to get to know and understand others. Its about serving and contribute to others on a broader sense in a way that you would want for yourself.
Welcome, Asma, and thank you! To be effective, we should strive to proceed to this second stage. There will always be a difference between those who do and those who don't.
Africans invented what we call modern day writing as a means of expression.
Yet Africans contribute the least written art in this era of the internet. Fortunately we have you, probing and asking us to examine ourselves, and write.
You raise very important matters. What isn't documented doesn't exist, and that is why we struggle to prove and cite a lot of African history. It wasn't documented; it doesn't exist.
I usually tell people I already have legacy. What I think, I have said, even written a book which, perhaps, will live as long as the likes of Meditations and The Prince.
We Africans should especially be careful and deliberate to share in the benefits of this age. Otherwise, we'll keep complaining how we aren't understood. But how can people understand what they don't know, and how will they know if we won't show?
This one is tricky. I fully agree that people and understanding them is very important for growth and ascension but these days the last thing I want to be bothered with is people. Mostly due to my cynicism regarding their darker natures. If it could just be me living in the mountains somewhere, I think I would be content.
I get you, Rhea, but you know this is impossible. You'll interact with people; it's simply unavoidable. This darker nature makes it even more important to know them. But what have they done that has caused you become a cynic?
I’m aware, but I don’t think it hurts to dream. As for the last question… I think watching world events unfold is enough to send any decent human running from other humans.
Keen observations, Patrick. Unless we can extract meaning from our experiences, with a universal application, it will land pretty flat with our audience.
"...with a universal application" is particularly important. People cannot experience everything, but they can learn from any experience as long as the meaning is universal. Thank you, Amy.
Writing can be for yourself or an audience. When you write for yourself, you explore your feelings and thoughts, helping you understand yourself better. When writing for others, balance personal insights with broader relevance to engage readers. Transitioning is crucial if you envision an audience. Thanks for sharing these insights, Patrick.
Welcome, Tinashe, and thank you. You say it very well: "Transitioning is crucial if you envision an audience." This is necessary if one will make an impact, something that many writers aspire to.
Welcome, TTF, and thank you. Very happy that you've lived this growth and have good things to say about it. Indeed "affirming" is the way to describe it.
“It is the communication of thoughts and observations in a way that makes sense to a distant observer. With this, you show that you’ve interpreted experiences, not just gone through them.”
Oh, this just affirms my thinking. I try to organize my thoughts in a way that offers the reader something — some insight, some way of thinking that could be useful in their lives. But I don’t like to give advice when I have no idea what I’m doing in life. It’s hard enough to figure things out for ourselves!
You’re absolutely right that the value lies in the interpretation. I think this is why education is key to the pursuit of happiness — especially language arts instruction. This is the class where we learn how to interpret the human experience (of course, we can learn without a formal education as well. But I suspect many wouldn’t bother!). Sometimes, all it takes is for someone interpreting an experience in a way we had never considered for us to suddenly understand something new. And isn’t that the magic of life?
It indeed is, Liya. Thank you very much for this response.
I like your essays because they always have the quality of telling a story in a way that teaches. Of course, being an editor, you have an excellent style, so that the "what" and "how" of writing comes together very well in your essays.
I know a lot more people will discover and appreciate your writing. You tell life's stories, and in a way that many cannot or don't, especially in terms of relatability and creating a connection.
I feel you! My writing is mostly personal & I choose to share some of it on platforms like this one & instagram. Yes, I too write to figure my feelings, and also to release them from my mind onto paper. Some writing becomes relatable by accident. However to write in a manner that is always relatable/relatable to a wider audience, is still a skill I'm practicing, cautiously so I don't lose my essence.
I think you strike this balance well, Mo. While writing about and to yourself, you do it in a way that others can still see the larger and broader themes.
The point you make about essence is an important one, lest one gains others but loses himself/herself.
"We should also acknowledge what our writing is and isn’t."
I absolutely love this exposition.
It's easy to get swallowed up by the trends in culture. I have to consistently remind myself to understand when i need to roll out, and let the chips fall where it must. My form will find it's audience. Thank you, Patrick. This was so refreshing.
Welcome, Licinda. "My form will find it's audience." I love this.
What you think, and how you think it, will find an audience. What you think is important. Actually, when nurtured, it may just grow to become a trend, just as those you may want to emulate. But you must believe in it first; you must see it's worth before others do.
Thank you for the encouragement, Patrick. I think my behaviour sometimes leans toward impatience.. But that comes with the creative territory-working to keep your psychology intact.
this is really helpful. i think i've evolved since i first started posting on substack. At first, my writing was just a way to process my trauma but eventually I think I've evolved into providing insight and inspiration to my readers. I can tell by the responses that I'm now getting that this evolution was necessary to develop a dialogue, exactly as you said. There needed to be something for the reader to grab onto.
I've read a number of your pieces, and I've found them very reflective. Also like seeing you post on notes more, not just about yourself, but also in a way that helps others learn. Congratulations on this evolution. You write genuinely and honestly; you teach without instructing. Continue growing, Elizabeth!
Hmm interesting read. I think, I am still at the first stage and a part of me feels like I don’t wanna betray myself in moving to second stage. Let’s see, how this pivoting or progressive happens. Thank you for writing some thought provoking pieces always. 😊
Welcome, Harneek. I think you do it well. In your empathy, you don't have to say, "This is the lesson," because you write such that a reader can see and feel it.
The concept of “writing so that others can see themselves in your work” is so clear. And yes, that is what I hope I am able to do with my readers. I dislike talking at people, and prefer to talk with people. It’s my hope that I convey this distinction.
You certainly do, Teyani. You succeed in communicating with them, and you write such that they can see themselves in your work. Yours is an illustration of how and why we write.
Oh Patrick, how absolutely lovely for you to reflect that to me. Thank you for this kindness. 💞
It is an awesome affirmation to me that my writing is received this way, and gives me great hope moving forward. I am grateful that my intention comes through.
A very thought provoking piece and important for all of us aspiring writers. It is yhe translation of our experience into something that vibrates with others is my main take away. Thank you
Welcome, Jerry, and thank you. You observe right: it's this translation that's the definition of true writing. In this way, an experience will mean a lot for a lot of people. This is how we enhance each other's lives.
I completely resonate with the idea that writing isn't just about processing emotions but also about connecting with others. For me, writing is a way to not only reclaim my life from trauma but to create a new one—one I never had the chance to live before. It's an expression of my creativity and a way to reach out to both like-minded people and those who see the world differently.
In finding this balance between self-exploration and connection with others, I’ve begun to see this writing space as a community I’ve longed for. It feels like the beginning of something that extends beyond my own story, inviting others into a shared conversation.
Thank you for highlighting the importance of this balance in writing. It has inspired me to keep moving forward with a more intentional approach.
"...writing is a way to not only reclaim my life from trauma but to create a new one." A very serious point, Jay. We write not just to find but create ourselves. And, in connecting with others, we help them do these things, too. Thank you for this.
Absolutely! Writing to understand yourself is just the first step and if you reach to that point it's worth it.
But if one wants to truly make a difference, you have to get to know and understand others. Its about serving and contribute to others on a broader sense in a way that you would want for yourself.
As always very thoughtful. Thank you for sharing.
Welcome, Asma, and thank you! To be effective, we should strive to proceed to this second stage. There will always be a difference between those who do and those who don't.
I read a sentence there and you sounded like Prime Friedrich Nietzsche...
"We are unknown to ourselves, we knowers" - On the Geneology of Morals
Nietzsche is my favorite philosopher. I still cannot tell which one of his books is my favorite, but it's either this one or Beyond Good and Evil.
Thank you, Nyandiko. Glad you enjoyed this piece.
Africans invented what we call modern day writing as a means of expression.
Yet Africans contribute the least written art in this era of the internet. Fortunately we have you, probing and asking us to examine ourselves, and write.
Simple, yet thought-provoking
You raise very important matters. What isn't documented doesn't exist, and that is why we struggle to prove and cite a lot of African history. It wasn't documented; it doesn't exist.
I usually tell people I already have legacy. What I think, I have said, even written a book which, perhaps, will live as long as the likes of Meditations and The Prince.
We Africans should especially be careful and deliberate to share in the benefits of this age. Otherwise, we'll keep complaining how we aren't understood. But how can people understand what they don't know, and how will they know if we won't show?
Thank you for these thoughts. Asante. Nashukuru.
This one is tricky. I fully agree that people and understanding them is very important for growth and ascension but these days the last thing I want to be bothered with is people. Mostly due to my cynicism regarding their darker natures. If it could just be me living in the mountains somewhere, I think I would be content.
I get you, Rhea, but you know this is impossible. You'll interact with people; it's simply unavoidable. This darker nature makes it even more important to know them. But what have they done that has caused you become a cynic?
I’m aware, but I don’t think it hurts to dream. As for the last question… I think watching world events unfold is enough to send any decent human running from other humans.
Keen observations, Patrick. Unless we can extract meaning from our experiences, with a universal application, it will land pretty flat with our audience.
"...with a universal application" is particularly important. People cannot experience everything, but they can learn from any experience as long as the meaning is universal. Thank you, Amy.
Writing can be for yourself or an audience. When you write for yourself, you explore your feelings and thoughts, helping you understand yourself better. When writing for others, balance personal insights with broader relevance to engage readers. Transitioning is crucial if you envision an audience. Thanks for sharing these insights, Patrick.
Welcome, Tinashe, and thank you. You say it very well: "Transitioning is crucial if you envision an audience." This is necessary if one will make an impact, something that many writers aspire to.
This words ring so true. Moving from just journaling/processing to writing as a way to speak to others was very affirming. Thank you for your work.
Welcome, TTF, and thank you. Very happy that you've lived this growth and have good things to say about it. Indeed "affirming" is the way to describe it.
“It is the communication of thoughts and observations in a way that makes sense to a distant observer. With this, you show that you’ve interpreted experiences, not just gone through them.”
Oh, this just affirms my thinking. I try to organize my thoughts in a way that offers the reader something — some insight, some way of thinking that could be useful in their lives. But I don’t like to give advice when I have no idea what I’m doing in life. It’s hard enough to figure things out for ourselves!
You’re absolutely right that the value lies in the interpretation. I think this is why education is key to the pursuit of happiness — especially language arts instruction. This is the class where we learn how to interpret the human experience (of course, we can learn without a formal education as well. But I suspect many wouldn’t bother!). Sometimes, all it takes is for someone interpreting an experience in a way we had never considered for us to suddenly understand something new. And isn’t that the magic of life?
It indeed is, Liya. Thank you very much for this response.
I like your essays because they always have the quality of telling a story in a way that teaches. Of course, being an editor, you have an excellent style, so that the "what" and "how" of writing comes together very well in your essays.
I know a lot more people will discover and appreciate your writing. You tell life's stories, and in a way that many cannot or don't, especially in terms of relatability and creating a connection.
You’re always so kind, as usual! I appreciate your words so much!
I feel you! My writing is mostly personal & I choose to share some of it on platforms like this one & instagram. Yes, I too write to figure my feelings, and also to release them from my mind onto paper. Some writing becomes relatable by accident. However to write in a manner that is always relatable/relatable to a wider audience, is still a skill I'm practicing, cautiously so I don't lose my essence.
I think you strike this balance well, Mo. While writing about and to yourself, you do it in a way that others can still see the larger and broader themes.
The point you make about essence is an important one, lest one gains others but loses himself/herself.
Thank you for being here.
"We should also acknowledge what our writing is and isn’t."
I absolutely love this exposition.
It's easy to get swallowed up by the trends in culture. I have to consistently remind myself to understand when i need to roll out, and let the chips fall where it must. My form will find it's audience. Thank you, Patrick. This was so refreshing.
Welcome, Licinda. "My form will find it's audience." I love this.
What you think, and how you think it, will find an audience. What you think is important. Actually, when nurtured, it may just grow to become a trend, just as those you may want to emulate. But you must believe in it first; you must see it's worth before others do.
Thanks, once again, Licinda.
Thank you for the encouragement, Patrick. I think my behaviour sometimes leans toward impatience.. But that comes with the creative territory-working to keep your psychology intact.
this is really helpful. i think i've evolved since i first started posting on substack. At first, my writing was just a way to process my trauma but eventually I think I've evolved into providing insight and inspiration to my readers. I can tell by the responses that I'm now getting that this evolution was necessary to develop a dialogue, exactly as you said. There needed to be something for the reader to grab onto.
I've read a number of your pieces, and I've found them very reflective. Also like seeing you post on notes more, not just about yourself, but also in a way that helps others learn. Congratulations on this evolution. You write genuinely and honestly; you teach without instructing. Continue growing, Elizabeth!
thank you Patrick!
Thank you for writing this gorgeous essay. Every word spoke to me.
Welcome, Shreya. I'm glad you loved it.
Hmm interesting read. I think, I am still at the first stage and a part of me feels like I don’t wanna betray myself in moving to second stage. Let’s see, how this pivoting or progressive happens. Thank you for writing some thought provoking pieces always. 😊
Welcome, Harneek. I think you do it well. In your empathy, you don't have to say, "This is the lesson," because you write such that a reader can see and feel it.
The concept of “writing so that others can see themselves in your work” is so clear. And yes, that is what I hope I am able to do with my readers. I dislike talking at people, and prefer to talk with people. It’s my hope that I convey this distinction.
You certainly do, Teyani. You succeed in communicating with them, and you write such that they can see themselves in your work. Yours is an illustration of how and why we write.
Oh Patrick, how absolutely lovely for you to reflect that to me. Thank you for this kindness. 💞
It is an awesome affirmation to me that my writing is received this way, and gives me great hope moving forward. I am grateful that my intention comes through.
Welcome my friend, always.
Enjoyed this immensely.
Thank you, Richard.
A very thought provoking piece and important for all of us aspiring writers. It is yhe translation of our experience into something that vibrates with others is my main take away. Thank you
Welcome, Jerry, and thank you. You observe right: it's this translation that's the definition of true writing. In this way, an experience will mean a lot for a lot of people. This is how we enhance each other's lives.
I completely resonate with the idea that writing isn't just about processing emotions but also about connecting with others. For me, writing is a way to not only reclaim my life from trauma but to create a new one—one I never had the chance to live before. It's an expression of my creativity and a way to reach out to both like-minded people and those who see the world differently.
In finding this balance between self-exploration and connection with others, I’ve begun to see this writing space as a community I’ve longed for. It feels like the beginning of something that extends beyond my own story, inviting others into a shared conversation.
Thank you for highlighting the importance of this balance in writing. It has inspired me to keep moving forward with a more intentional approach.
"...writing is a way to not only reclaim my life from trauma but to create a new one." A very serious point, Jay. We write not just to find but create ourselves. And, in connecting with others, we help them do these things, too. Thank you for this.