Omit to Commit is all about the resources needed to opt into (and out of) behaviors, such as time, traditions (individual or group behaviors), trust, and treasures. By regularly making and breaking habits, life becomes more fulfilling and satisfying. I’m drafting a book called Omit to Commit, and in 2024, I’m posting research/your ideas/themes on the 20th of every month.
I’m still writing. When life gets in the way, I’m still here. Imposter syndrome is always knocking (or rather, plowing through). As my titles and industries shift, so do my senses of space and identity. Despite it all, I am still placing word after word, writing. Sometimes with pixels, as I am now, but usually with pen.
Being both high-functioning and anxious can make writing challenging. While writing can be a form of expressing my thoughts and feelings, the public nature of these very pixels informs a sense of performing. While I have never deleted posts, as they represent different parts of my life, I see some entries that lack something. They no longer have the the stuff that makes me, me. (The archive is open if you want to explore. You do you.)
Striving to express who I am is part of my February goal, as this is the x within my word for the year, experiment. That includes expressing that despite my (grief, sadness, isolation, hope, joy, and curiosity), I am still here. Writing.
Perhaps I keep publishing posts because it shows an evolution to readers, to myself.
While my physical settings have changed, and inevitably some emotional opinions and social life choices, I am still very much myself. But as my mentor Meagan shared, perhaps the mediums are shifting, along with these changes. Perhaps I have moved past a need to display my work words. Maybe I don’t need to publish as much and can process through journaling again. As long as I’m still writing, right?
As a marketer and now library/information science student, I know how narratives are influenced by people/industries in power. So maybe that’s why I’m still writing and publishing. But does anyone care? Expressing doubt is human, I know that, but feeling that is different. Remembering my worth is more than what or who I belong to, I know am more than the work (or writing) I do or not do. Making space for all these feelings is vulnerable. But that’s where I’m at, y’all.
On the one hand, writing is incredibly personal, so I don’t need others’ opinions on how I string sentences together. And commentary on my lived experiences with making and writing, studying and working is fine, but I’m going to keep living, regardless. But on the other hand, I don’t want to do it alone. Life is full, but I need support. Life is people, after all.
This “still writing” challenge helps me write what matters by being present with my feelings, committing to not just creating but feeling too.
Since I was a child, authorship was my dream. And library science is adjacent to publishing (so is marketing). But writing what matters is shifting. I don’t have to write with a call to action in mind, this is not a marketing gig.
Writing with impact as the goal means I need new methods. That’s why I shifted these Omit to Commit posts to “still writing” this year. Not only do I want to be present with myself, I hope others feel seen or changed as a result of this writing. Or what’s the point?
I’m hoping “still writing” can help me find equilibrium. How do I find a balance between speaking my truths – hello, I’m still here – while hoping someone else is impacted, without being salesy, gross or inauthentic? Knowing myself, I’ll inevitably look back on these “still writing” posts because today’s words are tomorrow’s archives, after all.
Still writing helps me notice. And maybe I just want people to see.
Is that too selfish? Is that why I write? So others can understand (me/the world/themselves), for just a moment. Maybe that’s enough.
How do you feel about these “still writing” posts? Maybe my primary goal here is not to help, but simply to express that life’s a lot, and I am grateful to have a medium (words) to express it. How do you express yourself? Anything you commit to as a way to express that? Let me know with a comment or share on my habits form. Thanks for being here!
When I was pursuing a career in journalism, I always wrote with a call to action in mind. I wanted to change the world with my words! And then when I wasn’t able to make a living writing articles that I was passionate about that were life-changing on a grand scale, my passion died.
Thank you for pointing out that words are still impactful and inspiring, regardless of the audience or purpose. Whether your writing is published on a public forum or kept private in your journal, it is still purposeful and impactful. Journaling is good for the soul. It allows you to articulate your thoughts, express emotions, clear your mental health space. This is good for you, and in turn, can put you in the place to inspire change and do good in other ways moving forward. By you being here, still writing, you are putting good and intentional positive vibes out into the universe, and guess what? You are inspiring others (at least me!) to return to writing in an organized format.
We are glad you are still here, writing. <3
Allie, thank you so much for this kind comment! My writing has shifted a lot (sometimes unconsciously, sometimes quite intentionally, by platform/goal), so I appreciate this validation. Journalism was a potential career for both of us, and our words had (and have) power. Even if it’s just for a few people or just yourself, that’s powerful. By letting words out into the world, we create or express something that once did not exist. Self- and social-expression really matter to me, after all this time. I’m glad you’re still writing, too. I appreciate the reminder about journaling, too! I just had an assignment of sharing a collection, and I used journals. Time to get scribbling in one again. Thank you again for writing this uplifting comment. <3
I believe your posts have a lot of value and insight. I “experimented” this month by visiting a senior center in my area. I met a friend for a BYO lunch there and participated in an hour of low impact aerobics. It was a great first experience. I am also going on a bus trip to Chicago next month.
A friend and her daughter joining me at a food pantry was a fun and rewarding experience. They are excited to volunteer next month! Trying new things broadens my experiences, deepens relationships, and adds value to my life.
Thank you so much for the kind words, Cathy! Your experiences and experiments sound soul-filling. I love that you’re connecting to others in new spaces, fostering deeper friendships and sense of self, too!
When running experiments, I think it’s important to remember who you are, that even if the spaces are different, you have power by showing up as your authentic self.
I’d love to hear more about your friends’ experiences at the pantry, too, as that is a known space to you but not them. Thanks again for commenting and starting your own experiments!