On Writing

Followers of this blog have more than likely seen not only an increase in frequency of posts, but also a wandering series of themes over the last few weeks. I could easily place the blame on the confusing wind in my sails as my academic life slowly unravels like a dying tornado, but the truth is that I am trying to force myself to write more. Perhaps it is the backlog of ideas lodged in my head over the years or the stories that I feel need to be captured, but my time spent here in front of the computer looking over what I have already shared has been enlightening.

As I mull over the best applications for my education and experience, my own personal review and editing of what I have submitted here has reminded me of my versatility. Personal observations on current social trends, occasional humor, ideas on the art of leadership, fictional first-person perspectives of events past, and entries – either short-form or verbose – on my own interpretation of historic events… all cover a range of topics I previously not thought myself able to do.

Recently, I have considered increasing my visibility by continuing to tie what I write here to LinkedIn. However, language – specifically, my colorful use of language – tends to be somewhat problematic for sharing in a “professional” environment. My own opinion on that matter is conflicted. On one hand, by “toeing the line” of acceptability, I can demonstrate a certain level of restraint; on the other hand, such concerns over the audience’s reception often dilutes the spirit of what I have to say.

Writing is an act, and the unintended offense which may result is a choice. Just as you have made a deliberate decision to follow a link to these words, you have accepted the possibility that there just may be something that you do not necessarily agree with. Recent events and discussions have resulted in heated arguments based upon conflicting opinions and perspectives, but the fact that participation is optional seems to have been largely as forgotten as the concept that those very ideas held dearly may actually turn out to be wrong. It is not my place to provide a placating and absolute truth and you will not find such nonsense here, for even I have been guilty of being wrong in the past. I will, however, make every effort to provide the reader with an understanding and source of my perspectives as my choice.

For some, writing is necessary. There are times where I get frustrated that a point I was trying to make was either insufficiently or succinctly made, my words were taken out of context, or – worse yet – that they were not read at all. In discussing this earlier today, I compared it to playing a piece cherished piece to a full auditorium with no applause after the echo of the last note has faded. However, this is only a minor irritant – as I have mentioned previously, my own motivations for writing are not for the present, but for the future.

This blog will continue to be sporadic in content while consistent in contributions. There is just too much in my own mind that cannot be contained… and even then, I could spend the next thirteen weeks writing as much as humanly possible and still not scratch the surface of what I have to say. So, thank you for making it this far in our journey and I hope you enjoy the rest of the ride.