To end my four-day holiday weekend, I was in the middle of writing a story when I suddenly hit a brick wall. I couldn’t creatively continue, or was not quite satisfied with the direction the story was going despite knowing what the plot was. And to think that I’ve had that plot running through my head since the beginning of last week. I did save it as a draft though; but based from experience, me saving drafts of what should be blog entries would never end up seeing the light of day (hence I don’t do drafts).

I then remembered something I saw on Instagram during breakfast today that woke me up better than the mug of coffee I was having. It was posted by none other than Miss Lea Salonga (my childhood crush, who I still have the same up to this very day), and it spoke about creative people. And I guess it directly reflects what happened as I was writing earlier. Allow me to share that here:

“Artists are not like athletes. We cannot win gold. We cannot ‘beat’ other creatives. We cannot come first. Sport is objective. Our craft is subjective. Creating (something) to ‘be the best’ is a waste of energy. Instead, create to connect to the people who need you. Because they’re out there. Create in your way, because there is no right way. Take the pressure off, and focus on your unique brand of magic.”

A lot of people have told me to make money off my blog. Or to be a writer (or at least a contributing writer). And I tell them the same thing time and again: I do not like to be bound or pressured by deadlines with the stuff I write or want to write. I won’t be able to write or create something that’s time-bound. It’s just not me. I write when I feel like it, not when I have to or out of necessity. If you’re thinking of telling me, “then how come it works for others? Maybe you’re just not trying hard enough,” then please don’t tell that to me in person. Not if you want to continue breathing; figuratively speaking. First off, I’m not “them,” and I go back to what I said earlier about me and deadlines. Secondly, I’m at the point in my life that I don’t care what other people think of me personally, or my blog. If you like the stuff I write, thank you. If not, I couldn’t care less and will still sleep soundly. So by them “forcing” me on how to do my hobby is an imprint of my size 10.5 foot on their face waiting to happen. Again, figuratively speaking.

Does that mean what I write is not open to be critiqued? No, by all means, go for it. I even encourage comments. I provide my own comments and opinions to others’ written work too when I feel like it. But here’s the thing with those: they’re subjective as well. The writer, author, or creator should never, ever be personally bound by those comments. What I’m seeing nowadays is creatives are easily getting influenced by the audience through comments. And it’s sad when a good writer starts off well, but changes the style because those who see their work “suggest” to do so in order to be more “well-accepted.” The second half of the above-mentioned quote has been my guiding principle when I write. My entries don’t suit you? Then you’re not my audience. Don’t tell me to change my writing style just so a group or majority can relate to it, or be more “mainstream.”

In closing, I’d like to continue focusing on that second half of the quote. Like sport, majority of what we do these days is purely objective. And there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. What does, though, is focusing on it way too much that it’s taking away our connections with people; sometimes even those close to us or who we care about. Covid has already done a masterful job of severing human personal interaction, so why add to it? It’s not about lessening the objectives or objectivity; there will always be solutions to that. But people need people, now more than ever. Improve your human connections. You may not always eye to eye with each other on certain things, but remember that there’s always agreeing to disagree; and more importantly, respecting one’s perspective.

I write the things I write because it’s an expression and extension of who I am; and I know there are individuals out there in the world–no matter how little in number–who can relate. I may not know them, but through what I write, connections can be established. It may not be personal, but just having that connection is enough. And I value that pretty highly. Would I be wrong in saying that it’s probably what the world needs to start valuing that in the same light? I leave it up to you.

It’s now four minutes before September begins. Here in the Philippines, that only means one thing. No, it’s not related to that Green Day song.

Have a good month ahead, everyone.