As some readers may know, for a time before I started writing on BizCatalyst 360°, I wrote about being an immigrant in Silicon Valley on my website US DK Expats.
This piece is about writing, not about that content. There is no need for you to go and check out what I wrote unless you are going to CA and can use some pointers on what touristy things off the ordinary you might want to experience.
Seeing Dennis’ piece about writing, I wondered if those of you who write regularly have had an experience similar to mine:
It was very easy to write the backbone of my website. Some parts were about things I had studied. Some sections I took from letters I had written back to family and friends over the years. And writing was an excuse to research a little more about California history and geography – not an unwelcome task under normal circumstances for someone like me.
What gradually became a source of concern was, however, how writing my regular blog posts made me remote from what I was experiencing. Going to a museum or an event for the first time didn’t just open my eyes and mind, taking in the experience. I had a running commentary in the back of my head, preparing how I should turn this experience into a blog post.
When I read a piece of news about startups or f###ups, there was that little voice again, telling me to have an opinion on things that were none of my concern, usually something that was not very positive – and who asked me, anyway?
It is not that I don’t stand by my words, nor do I regret writing. But I didn’t like the person I became, when I was not fully present in the moments I should just enjoy – because all the time it was like I was carrying around an imaginary audience in “my back pocket”.
Today, I wonder if the many people who don’t seem to be able to enjoy anything awesome without having to document it on Instagram are suffering from the same “malaise” – only they may not be aware of it? Could it make a difference if you post for friends and family/a known audience with names and faces rather than just putting your things out in the webby wide world?
Fortunately, writing for BizCatalyst 360° doesn’t seem to have a similar effect on me. Perhaps because I feel I write for friends and not an imaginary audience.
But I thought I would ask you, my writing friends and colleagues, do you ever have a voice running commentary/ruining when you are just supposed to enjoy your day?
Hi Charlotte
I don’t typically write newsy things so I can avoid the phenomenon described by the critic “hardly saw the play at all for watching my reactions to it.”
However, that isn’t to say that I am always “present.” If ever I am writing I may have the structure of the words running in my head when I am meant to be having a conversation.
Or if I have a deadline -anxiety pulls my focus away from the present momen.
Alan
Oh, Alan, that quote was just what I needed.
And yes, I recognize the “words running in my head when I am meant to be having a conversation.” And I am really really bad at multitasking ;-(