Digital Writing: A New Era of Creativity and Opportunity
Written on
Chapter 1: The Unexpected Journey into Writing
Who would have imagined that writing could become such a significant part of my life?
When I first discovered my love for writing, I never anticipated it would turn into a lucrative career or my primary source of happiness. It's astonishing to reflect on how far I've come. During my college years, when I shared my decision to major in psychology, people often responded with polite smiles or sardonic comments. Some even questioned, "What will you do with that degree?" The most hurtful remark came from someone who referred to my major as a "toilet bowl degree." I still harbor resentment towards that person who made that comment during my freshman year.
My passion for psychology has been with me since childhood, largely influenced by my middle school counselor, Mrs. Bedoya. I participated in group therapy sessions where many of my peers dealt with challenging father-daughter dynamics—most had fathers battling alcoholism, while I was navigating my father's struggle with dementia. Despite our varied situations, we forged a strong sense of community. Mrs. Bedoya's support and guidance were invaluable, and I remain deeply grateful to her for changing my life and helping me face numerous challenges. She was my first real introduction to the world of psychology.
In high school, I was fortunate to have Mr. Waitt as a mentor. I’ve written about him previously. He played a vital role in my emotional development and served as a positive male influence in my life. We could discuss anything, and he guided me through the complexities of adolescence, including behavioral issues and relationship challenges. He introduced me to therapy and helped me find a therapist who resonated with me.
My junior year psychology teacher, Mrs. Kelly, further fueled my interest by introducing me to hypnotism and meditation in a classroom setting. Her lessons felt almost magical. This inspired me to choose psychology as my major! However, through the process of writing extensive research papers during my studies, I discovered my true calling as a writer.
Despite enjoying my educational journey, I realized I didn't want to pursue additional schooling. I was ready to embrace my identity as a writer. You can read more about my path here. Since 2018, I’ve delved deeper into the craft of writing, particularly in the digital realm. There is so much to explore and learn, which makes it an exhilarating journey for various reasons.
I now have the freedom to earn a living from my kitchen table. Goodbye to stressful commutes and the chaos of Jersey drivers! The earning potential is limitless—hello, financial independence! I am in charge of my own destiny. While this lifestyle may not suit everyone, it fits me perfectly. Some people struggle with procrastination in a remote work setting; fortunately, that isn’t an issue for me—I genuinely love working from home.
However, the joy of writing isn't everlasting. There are moments when I don’t feel inspired to write. While these instances are rare, they do occur. That’s when the values of determination, motivation, and discipline come into play. If you lack discipline, digital writing may not be your ideal path. Like any endeavor, it requires effort, even when the results seem minimal at first. In hindsight, you’ll recognize the progress you’ve made.
Digital writing is reshaping the landscape of creativity. There’s a place for everyone in this expansive online world. What aspects of writing do you enjoy most?