The nervous beginner avoids the busy gym

It seems that every established writer now uses Substack to publish their articles and blogs.

I don’t want to write on Substack.

I am a beginner. I feel nervous at the thought of publishing on Substack.

Too many comparisons that I’ll choose to make.

That will distract and discourage my own writing.

I am sensitive. I’m starting to incubate a writing practice.

It’s like I’m a beginner at a busy gym.

It’s intimidating to see others more confident doing what we want to do, but do it better.

Other people have their own goals for their training and writing.

Often it’s just a matter of time and experience that turns the nervous beginner into the seasoned practitioner.

Sometimes it’s better to start our new practice at home.

We can use the garage, the living room, any available space as a place to workout.

We don’t have to worry about what we look like.

We can privately work through the awkward first stages of learning new movements.

Same with writing.

I can write anywhere.

Publish in my own private space, this blog.

Then I avoid negative comparisons with others.

I am writing in a self imposed bubble.

I know I am not a professional writer. That’s not my goal.

I just want to get moving.

See my pen moving across the page.

The words typed on the screen.

Once I’m a regular practitioner I might enjoy the company of others.

I might feel confident to join the busy gym, strike up a conversation and develop and adapt my workouts.

One day I might be happy to see my writing in a feed intermingled with others.

But for now I’m happy at home, doing something daily, stumbling and sweating in private.

I have a goal to reach: writer.