Mind Matters

I started writing 90 days ago.

They say writing everyday brings you clarity, and I can now vouch for that. When I started, I had no clue what I was doing. I would throw random thoughts on the page and cringe when I read over it. Ugh, what the hell was I doing?

Then slowly, and I mean slowly, the magic starts to happen. You get a idea and writing become easy. Even fun. You put thoughts out there and some resonate. Much of it doesn’t. But all of it gives you data on what works and what doesn’t.

Why am I saying all this?

I’ve discovered that I enjoy writing, and that writing will be the focus of how I create. The platform that currently serves me best is Medium. Not only can you monetize your writing there, but there is a fantastic, engaged community waiting to embrace and encourage you as a writer.

My writing there is closing in on $300 for January. Is it a large sum, not by any means. Is it the sweetest $300 I’ve ever earned, absolutely.

My first articles made almost nothing. They weren’t personal, and I was worried about what people would think. The one that made money was the one that was deeply personal. I’ll take that as a lesson. What a feeling it is to take a chance on doing something you love and getting positive feedback. The response from that article was amazing, over 70 meaningful comments about how people could relate to it.

Unreal.

Just a few years ago I was working 60+ hour weeks as a detective and fugitive hunter. I was never “off”. I’m writing this now on a Wednesday from a mountain top near Wintergreen, Virginia. Crazy where life leads us.

I couldn’t have found what I enjoy with trying new things, things that I found uncomfortable. Sharing personal stories is deeply uncomfortable to me. Fitting that it was exactly what I needed to do.

Do yourself a favor and get uncomfortable soon.

The world wants to know more about you, what your working on, and share in your unique point of view. I can’t promise it’ll be smooth. Hell, it most likely won’t be. But I can promise you this.

It’ll be worth it.