Ekene Moses

One of the frequent exercises we did in Business School was demonstrating reflection in specific writing tasks or in a ‘reflective’ writing style. This has equipped me with the ability to evaluate and reflect upon my own experiences— and develop critical and analytical thinking skills with them.

I noticed that there are patches of ideas that brought me out of my writing shell to someone who simply writes and posts online for the public to read.

Someone who pours his heart as it is, undiluted. Someone who writes about controversial issues that challenge individuals' perspectives, personal life philosophy and psychology, culture, poetry, professional development and growth tips for young professionals, and most importantly, freely writes as me – without pay.

Before now, I always asked myself if I would still write online if no one ever got paid writing online – and quick to admit it but with fear that I may never be able to since the platform (Medium) I wrote on paid me money monthly and had the potential to earn me a living.

However, after I was banned from the platform for unknowingly defaulting on one of the platform's rules, I realised I needed a platform like this. Where I am not competing for the number of claps or followers with other writers on the platform. Nor do I have to focus on particular topics or writing styles because the algorithm is suggesting and dictating them for me.

And, yes, I could still consistently come online to write and publish my ideas even though I am not making money from doing so.

This took me back to some ideas that inspired my writing and the motivation that pushed me to publish my first blog online. Starting with my story as an online public writer who began from a void of needing to know what was next.

I had recently graduated from university, but my mind was afraid of someday opening a computer to type away my thoughts on the screen, only to find that life had taken its gift of writing from me.

The first point of the call was to publish articles on LinkedIn. A platform that business school has helped me to start growing in popularity among academics and fellow students.

However, before then, there was a fear of loneliness that I was trying to defeat through writing and building a solid online community.

You are not alone in your loneliness | Jonny Sun

I got inspiration from this idea at a moment in my life when I was most vulnerable and feeling particularly lonely. This is the year 2019 when I got an international scholarship to travel to Spain from Africa — my first experience with planes and so much more. And means that I must be separated from every family member and close friends.

Luckily, I came across this TED Talk by writer and artist Jonny Sun. He explained how being open and vulnerable with his worst states (loneliness, sadness, and fear) helps him find comfort and feel less alone.

According to him — telling stories about feeling like an outsider in funny ways helped him to tap into an unexpected community on the internet.

This actually worked for me and still works. I remember most times I would feel like saying ‘Hi’ to everyone on my contact list, which is near impossible. So I took the strategy of posting regularly on my status on social media— and interestingly funny, these were how I managed to hold most of the interesting conversations, even with close friends, family, and strangers.

Watch this Jonny Sun TED Talk

Then, there is another TED Talk on How creative writing can help you through life’s most challenging moments | Sakinah Hofler.

Have you ever seen something and wished you could have said something but didn’t?

In the heart-heat of the Covid-19 pandemic, mind you, I was separated from loved ones and family and then cut off from places where I find happiness and connect with people — like my university campus, public libraries, churches, coffee shops, etc.,

I came across yet another interesting TED Talk on how to use creative writing to bear witness. Writer Sakinah Hofler puts forward the case that writing is a tool to help you process difficult memories and reclaim the power you hold.

She helped me re-imagine the magic of picking up a pen or a keyboard to unburden my mind and inspire reflection.

Generally, LinkedIn helped me realise the number of reads a simple idea or reflection put forward to public eyes could get in a day.

But while I might not advocate for everyone to become a public writer, I hope you find the idea from this article inspiring to bring your creativity to the public using the internet.

Hold on, reading this through now — I feel that the title would have been *2 TED Talks that helped me become a writer* But again, that is one thing with creativity — loads of options and many ways to do it right.

Photo credit: Author

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Many thanks for reading my perspective and giving feedback.

My fervent wish is for the personal growth of everyone and the success of all young professionals who put their hearts and souls into finding their purpose in life.

Copyright © Ekene Moses, 2023. All Rights Reserved.

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