The reasons behind my writing
Earnest Hemingway had his reasons – a rationale behind his madness. Such a madness that led to a few of the most prolific pieces of writing this world has ever seen. Each moment in his writing career, fueled in no small part by serving as an avenue to exercise his creative muscle, but also a unique opportunity to share his experiences with others.
Similarly, the great stoic philosopher, Marcus Aurelius, did not write “Meditations” in hopes of becoming wildly famous and wealthy. Instead, Marcus’ life lessons were melted down and poured into what was once a personal journal, and now serving as the book of Meditations which has impacted the lives of millions since.
In reference to human life:
The body and its parts are a river, the soul a dream and mist, life is warfare and a journey far from home, lasting reputation is oblivion.
Marcus Aurelius, Meditations
A pretty outstanding outlook on life, no? Just as much now as then? Equally as important in the year 2023 as it was in the year 140 A.D.?
How is it that a statement as such can survive such an extreme test of time?
This, in part, is what draws me to writing – to telling my story.
Realization
By now, it’s become no secret that I’m not a “writer” by profession. I didn’t graduate with a degree in journalism, I’ve never been compensated for any writing of mine.
Technically speaking, I’m a school teacher, and a coach. I’m a husband, a father, and a runner. But, should I be confined to just that? Without question, the answer is absolutely not.
At my core, I’m a creative. I once longed for nothing more than to live a comfortable life as an artist, a dream that was lost in the shuffle of life many years ago. A dream that found its way back to me, however, leaving me with one option – to take it on. I’ve written about this in the past – answering a calling in your life, pursuing something that you feel attracted to.
Stories
I love to tell stories. Yet, I oftentimes find myself better suited to tell them through this medium. The words flow from my brain to the keys in a way that they don’t from my brain to my lips.
With a mind full of stories to tell, experiences to expand upon, lessons to share – here I am.
I suppose, in many ways, my aim is to be authentic, to be honest and to be vulnerable through my writing. My goal is to connect with anyone who takes the time out of their day to read. To connect by means of telling a story that is relatable, because it’s real.
To offer up any source of enlightenment – of knowledge from learned experiences – to impact any one person’s life in a positive manner, above all else, is the driving force behind any writing that I’ve done and will share in the future.
Moving in a Positive Direction
It’s become increasingly simple to eat away at the hours in your day via short video clips, social media threads, and anything you could possibly imagine on the other side of a google search.
Is this bad?
It can be. It is for most. But, it doesn’t have to be for you, or for me. Good content remains – you just have to be intentional in seeking it out.
Since beginning writing my first blog post, in March of 2023, I’ve thought to myself, at least a half-dozen times, “What am I doing here? What do I get out of this?”
It’s a good question, really. What do I get from this?
In many ways, the jury is still out on this one. I have absolutely no idea what lay ahead with regards to my writing. Will I ever see a dime from the words I spend hours articulating? Does that really matter?
What does matter, undoubtedly, is the precedent I hope to set. The ability to move in a direction, against the masses, for the betterment of myself, for my family, and for those who find value in the words I write.
As the words of Marcus Aurelius continue to ring true, I too hope to offer some insight to a life or two – both present day, and for many years to come.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read. If you enjoy my writing, you can subscribe to receive email updates using the form below!
Forged in Fire 
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