Blog (2023)

Scripting the Soul.

         For many decades, it has been widely assumed that the act of writing has significant mental health advantages. However, a competing viewpoint has emerged among this long-standing agreement, positing that the inverse may be true. If I may be truthful, I must admit that such an idea strikes me as odd, if not entirely baffling. In other domains, such as lifestyle, the social economy, or the world of entertainment, one might perhaps understand how events unfold; yet, in the realm of literacy, I am completely bewildered by the unexplainable events that occur. That subject has an enigmatic character that eludes my comprehension. As a writer, albeit a hobbyist, the necessity of protecting my cognitive well-being has sadly slipped my conscious consideration thus far. Please understand the essence of my goals when discussing tangible prospects. It wasn't like I got behind the wheel only to be shocked from behind by a massive truck, nor was it like soaring over the clouds just to be immediately met with the termination of engine functionality. Fortunately, neither of those events occurred. In the annals of my personal diaries, I recall a terrifying meeting with a power outage, an event that threw me into complete disarray. In the aftermath of this unforeseeable disaster, I found myself without the fruits of my labor, which I had diligently constructed over the course of many hours. This painful incident, which I have come to refer to as "burning madness," left an everlasting impact on my brain, serving as a heartbreaking reminder of life's fickle unpredictability. I venture to speculate that this particular concern about "health" would be judged the most important.

         I dare to declare that the purpose of my prose performs a completely different function when compared to that of my peers. Writing does require wrestling with delicate topics relevant to one's personal existence and emotional environment, potentially taking a toll on one's psychological well-being. Instilling harmful emotions in the individual, such as vulnerability, worry, and despair. What could possibly be more disturbing is when the wordsmith finds themselves ensconced in seclusion, accompanied solely by their ruminations and musings, a situation that can engender a sense of desolation and estrangement from the world at large, having a tangible impact on their state of being. Navigating the perilous waters of criticism and the constant quest for achievement may take a heavy toll on a writer's delicate mental fabric, potentially initiating a nightmarish cascade of stress and burnout. Certain wordsmiths place grandiose expectations on themselves in the field of literary artistry, trying to create works of unsurpassed brilliance or gain praise from discriminating critics. However, this seemingly admirable self-imposed load might prove to be a double-edged sword, inhibiting the realization of these lofty aspirations. The difficult chore of dealing with the sad reality of rejection from publishers, agencies, or readers, along with the constant bombardment of disparaging comments, is a continual challenge that necessitates skillful navigation and unshakeable fortitude. Furthermore, the predicament of authors is aggravated by the constant threat of financial instability, which is a direct result of the erratic nature of their income sources and the risky nature of freelance undertakings. This insecurity, in turn, creates an intrinsically unstable balance between their work and personal lives. The erratic nature of work schedules, along with the long hours required, makes maintaining a harmonic balance between the domains of personal and familial lives, as well as the delicate interplay of literary ambitions and budgetary responsibilities, a daunting challenge. Finally, it is worth emphasizing that authors typically have extraordinarily vivid imaginations and an incredible ability for empathy in their creative endeavors. These characteristics, when combined, enable them to create narratives and personas that engage and enchant their readership. On the other hand, increased sensitivity can make people more vulnerable to emotional difficulties.

         To my absolute surprise, a notable group of acclaimed literary giants is battling with the delicate tapestry of their mental and emotional well-being. They share a remarkable similarity to the legendary Virginia Woolf in a variety of ways. She was an acclaimed British wordsmith known for her creative skill, with works including "Mrs. Dalloway" and "To the Lighthouse." In the terrible finale of her prolonged fight with depression and anxiety, she succumbed to the depths of despair, eventually deciding to end her own life in 1941. Sylvia Plath, a literary icon, was undeniably in the grips of melancholy, a powerful force that reverberated throughout the tapestry of her life and profoundly influenced the work she produced. The literary classic "The Bell Jar," written by the legendary Sylvia Plath, is a semi-autobiographical masterwork that delves into the labyrinthine depths of the human psyche. With the enigmatic Esther Greenwood at the helm, this magnum opus unfolds a compelling narrative that navigates the dangerous terrain of mental health ailments, most notably the terrifying shadow of depression. Esther's arduous journey as a growing wordsmith becomes linked with the stormy spasms of her own fragile psyche, turning her into a mesmerizing symbol of fragility and resilience. Ernest Hemingway, renowned for literary masterpieces such as "The Old Man and the Sea" and "A Farewell to Arms," tragically succumbed to the depths of his own despair in 1961, ultimately succumbing to the relentless demons of melancholy and the pernicious grip of alcoholism that had plagued him throughout his life. Edgar Allan Poe, the acclaimed American writer, was recognized for his amazing talent for constructing horrific and hideous tales. Nonetheless, Poe struggled with the ailments of depression, intemperance, and the dangers of substance use. Emily Dickinson, the illustrious luminary of American poetry known for her enigmatic existence and long fight with the illness of social anxiety, walked a path that was largely devoid of social connections. J.K. Rowling, the brilliant author behind the beloved "Harry Potter" saga, has been forthright about her battles with the powerful opponents of melancholy and self-doubt. She has spoken out in public about her numerous worries. In the enormous sphere of literary luminaries, eminent authors such as Jean-Paul Sartre, William Styron, Jack Kerouac, and Tennessee Williams cannot be overlooked. These literary titans have left an everlasting effect on the literary landscape, with their works resonating with readers of all ages. Each author's distinct voice has enhanced the literary canon, enthralling audiences with their exceptional talent, from Sartre's existential musings to Styron's heartbreaking narratives, from Kerouac's beatnik writing to Williams' evocative tragedies. Let us not overlook the continuing legacy of these literary titans as we explore the literary tapestry, for their writings continue to inspire and illuminate the human experience.

         Writing is a peaceful and joyful hobby for many people. It has the extraordinary power to act as a conduit for self-expression, allowing people to methodically travel the labyrinthine tunnels of their thoughts and emotions, finding profound insights into the depths of their very existence. It bestows upon them the gift of catharsis, a transformational release that reverberates through their very essence, liberating them from the shackles of their inner turmoil in this subtle dance of introspection. It has the natural power to enhance the entire condition of one's mental well-being due to its ability to serve as a veritable conduit for the release of negative emotions, tension, and an endless wellspring of creative energy. In a society where the written word is king, it is critical to recognize the complex character of writing. While it is undeniably a great instrument for communication and self-expression, one must not underestimate the risks it may pose. Indeed, under certain conditions or in the hands of certain people, writing can constitute a serious threat to one's mental health. It is not impossible that some of our esteemed writers and authors have become so engrossed in their creative endeavors that they fail to recognize the impending arrival of a new dawn, replete with limitless opportunities for both themselves and their fellow writers.

I leaned back on the velvety verdure, my gaze rising to the cosmic tapestry of brilliant constellations dotting the nocturnal sky. I was completely captivated by the radiance of their aesthetic attraction as well as the enigmatic brilliance that came from their ethereal movements, as if designed specifically for my enraptured gaze. The never-ending desire for meaning and a better knowledge of mundane existence that pervades my being is what actually brings out the best in me. The ongoing reevaluation of my sense of purpose and fulfillment acts as a constant source of introspection, while the mere thought of what lies ahead exhilarates me, bringing solace in the midst of life's fleeting moments. Every evening, I painstakingly obtain the necessary amount of sleep, allowing my subconscious to embark on a nocturnal voyage. Furthermore, during my quiet interludes, I devote myself conscientiously to a noble project that vibrates strongly inside the depths of my psyche. I dare to state that I was successful in maintaining my bodily well-being long enough to engage in the act of creating.

To this day.