Transforming Grief into a Full-Time Writing Journey
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Chapter 1: Embracing Creativity Through Loss
An old business associate once told me, "You lack creativity." At that moment, I had to admit he was right. The idea of expressing myself creatively was something I had never explored. I treated anything artistic like it could explode at any moment.
Upon reflection, I realized the main barrier to my writing was the fear of being judged by others. The thought of sharing my work and facing criticism paralyzed me. However, everything changed after a life-altering event—receiving the heartbreaking news from my brother that our mother had collapsed and was on life support.
I swiftly flew from Birmingham to Cape Town. The memory of walking to her hospital bed remains etched in my mind. The nurses drew back the curtain, revealing her unresponsive but serene figure. As I sat there, tears streaming down my face, I witnessed her heart rate decline, and I could tell the nurses viewed it as a mere formality.
This moment reshaped my perspective on life. I had always strived to make my parents proud, but watching my mother pass away opened my eyes to the fragility of existence. It ignited an intense passion for writing, leading me to confront my fears of self-expression.
Now, I face the comments section with a newfound resilience. The opinions of others no longer cripple me.
In Episode 501 - "Grief: What's Loved, Lost, and Left," the profound impact of grief on creativity is explored, showcasing how loss can lead to personal transformation.
Section 1.1: Confronting Fear
The voice in your head that holds you back is simply fear. I know this all too well, as I once let it paralyze my writing. Letting go of that fear is akin to releasing the handbrake on a car; it allows you to move forward.
When you experience the loss of a loved one, the concerns that once seemed significant fade into insignificance. I once believed I needed to be perfect to share my writing, but that was just fear talking. In reality, no one is as focused on your work as you think—they're more concerned with their own lives.
You possess a unique combination of experiences that shapes your niche. For instance, my background includes writing about Crypto, Investing, Fitness, and Writing itself. The blend of these elements is rare, especially when combined with my personal journey from an ostrich farm in South Africa to living in the UK.
In the TEDx talk by George Kohlrieser, "How to turn loss into inspiration," the speaker discusses transforming grief into motivation, emphasizing resilience and creativity.
Section 1.2: Writing from Personal Experience
Before my mother’s passing, I often wrote about others, avoiding my own experiences. I feared that sharing my vulnerabilities would not resonate with readers. However, once I began to express my personal journey, everything shifted.
This openness not only made the writing process more enjoyable but also allowed my readers to connect with me on a deeper level. I found that discussing topics I genuinely loved led to a more authentic writing style.
Chapter 2: The Importance of Momentum
The key to gaining momentum in your writing is to embrace imperfection. Instead of fixating on crafting the perfect opening sentence, focus on simply writing. Just get those words down.
When you hit a wall, use placeholders and move on. I used to waste hours obsessing over a single paragraph, but I learned it’s better to produce a draft and refine it later.
Don’t be hard on yourself if you find it challenging to start. Distractions are part of the process, so try to minimize them. I often lose focus, replaying past conversations in my mind or getting sidetracked by endless YouTube videos.
Writing can be difficult, so be gentle with yourself. Ideas may come and go, and some days will feel more productive than others.
"Time flies when you write online," as a well-known writer once said. It demands concentration, creativity, and imagination. There will be days when you feel completely empty of ideas, but persistence is key.
Final Thoughts: The Love of Writing
At the core of it all, you must genuinely love writing. Some days will be stressful, and others will leave you feeling stuck. But I’ve learned to embrace the process and hit publish regardless of potential criticism.
Don’t dwell on what you’re not; instead, focus on who you are and share your experiences from the reader’s perspective. Address the negative thoughts that arise and accept that procrastination and imperfect writing are part of being human.
Recently, I was approached by a cryptocurrency company specializing in health and wellness, a unique opportunity that arose from simply being myself. While I may not be the ultimate expert in fitness, crypto, or writing, the combination of my experiences is my superpower.
Even if you haven't faced a life-altering loss, you can still find motivation to write daily. The rewards are incredible, and you can create a lasting legacy through your words.
If writing has been a passion of yours, I encourage you to pursue it. Ask yourself: Why not you?