Writing for the Sake of Writing
I’m writing this blog while watching Sydney White on Netflix with my husband in my new, fancier hospital room. Yes, I know, Seneca would be rolling his Stoic eyes at me for not doing “one thing at a time”. But hear me out. Sometimes, multitasking brings unexpected gems.
Case in point: in one scene, a blogger asks a friend for a synonym, and instead of answering, the friend scoffs, “Nobody reads your blog anyway.” The blogger replies, “My blog is not about being read, but being written.” Boom. There it was. Exactly how I feel.
Sure, I love it when you read my blog, especially if you walk away with something like a nugget of wisdom, a fresh perspective, or just a chuckle. But if I’m being completely honest, entertaining you is not my top priority here. My main reason for writing is simple: it’s my meditation, my way of making sense of things, just like Marcus Aurelius.
I’m pretty sure when Marcus was scribbling his personal reflections almost two thousand years ago, he had zero intention for them to become legendary, let alone influence millions, or maybe billions of people centuries later. He wasn’t trying to “go viral”. He was just… writing. For himself.
Yesterday, when my friend Okki visited, he asked how long I’d been on a social media hiatus and how it felt. I told him it’s been nearly a month, and I don’t miss a thing! Honestly, it’s been peaceful and serene. I feel like I’m prioritizing what’s truly important, focusing on what matters most. It’s incredibly fulfilling. You should try it. Maybe not temporary, but at least try once in a while.
Now for the hospital update: I’ve been moved to a swankier room. The interior is more modern, the equipment’s better, and it has Netflix. Even better, the insurance company has officially approved everything, including for my myom. So tomorrow 5pm I’ll be going in for combined surgery for my appendix and uterus.
So here I am, spending my last pre-surgery evening doing exactly what I love: writing for the sake of writing, reading for the joy of reading, and curled up for a movie night with my hubby. No visitor today, so I can have a total rest. Wish me a smooth procedure and recovery tomorrow!
And here’s something I’m holding on to tonight: as Marcus Aurelius once said, “You have power over your mind, not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.” So go on. Do something today just because it matters to you. No audience needed, no likes required. Just you, showing up for yourself.
