Writing is nothing like dancing.

“Dance like nobody’s watching”. Write like nobody’s reading? It doesn’t work.

Words are meant to be read. Whenever we see a jumble of letters, our brain automatically tries to read them — no matter how insignificant. Billboards, traffic signs, texts on a stranger’s phone on the bus. Words are magnetic and created to be comprehended.

That doesn’t necessarily mean that all writing is worth reading. It most certainly isn’t. That could include this, right now. But, you’ve made it this far, so why stop now?

I would prefer to write like nobody’s reading. However, I’m painfully self-aware. I will read and reread every word I write from every angle until I hate it. One of the many burdens of consciousness. Life would be so much simpler if I was a rock. Nothing’s fair.

Part of the issue is the pressure of possibility. You could write anything. The best works of literature, the most viral tweets, the most moving speeches all start from the same place. A blank page. But the moment you put words on the page, your timeline splits from this world of possibility and narrows your path to this mediocre ramble about how hard it is to write. Every time you write and it isn’t earth-shattering, it could feasibly be considered a failure.

I recognize that’s deeply cynical. But participation trophies don’t get you anywhere.

I also recognize that writing can serve many functionalities. You most certainly can write for only yourself — to vent, to…