One-Inch Square
I found this piece of advice on writing by Anne Lamott to be refreshing:
“A blank piece of paper is like an unassaulted ice floe — whether you’re a well-known writer or a beginner, it’s overwhelming. I teach a second-grade workshop with my grandson right now, and I tell them about keeping a one-inch picture frame on their desks — all you have to do on any given day is what you can see through that one-inch picture frame. I’ll say, ‘You don’t have to write a whole book on birds; just pick one bird.’ We have a lot of pelicans where I live, so I’ll say, ‘Read about pelicans, and then write me two sentences about pelicans in your own voice.’”
My impression is also the same: Writing can seem like a vast undertaking and many times demotivating. The resistance in you tells that this is not unique or this has been written much better by another writer and so on. I want to remember Anne’s advice in these times, “to look at things through a one inch square”.
We are all having unique perspectives. I am parent-manager-fitness-gadget enthusiast. My views are unique to my world like any other person. There are tons of people like me. But still they I am a unique snowflake because of my past experiences and my future pursuits.
A one-inch frame is a unique enough differentiator to look into the world. A one-inch frame may generate an original perspective that no one could possibly arrive at. A one-inch frame way of looking and writing your thoughts online is a great way to build a reputation. A one-inch frame based writings always have unique audience: family. A one-inch frame writing can help me to look back on how I have grown and how my views have evolved and transformed. If not for others, the one-inch frame method of writing is a good way capture my thoughts and pass it for my generations to come.
May be my great-great-grand-daughter wants to know how people in 21st century were so stupid to drive cars on their own and listening to music or random person talking in radio. Some of my one-inch square based writings will help her appreciate the nuances better.