I'm going to admit something. When I first decided to apply to be a writer on the Odyssey, my main purpose was to have my articles go viral and also as a resume builder. I enjoyed writing short paragraphs on social media platforms such as Tumblr and Instagram, and I got positive feedback. Some of my text posts received over hundreds of notes, and along with that, came an undeniable sense of pride and validation. I was under the assumption that I would receive the same response when I became a writer for a popular database, but I was wrong. My articles don't receive 5k shares compared to my fellow teammates. I began questioning the quality of my content, and even considering quitting-- until I discovered something greater.
The quality of my content cannot be measured by numbers.
20 views or 20k views; it does not matter. My writing style, the subjects I choose to write about, myself as a whole-- they are perfect just how they are. I don't need to change myself in order to gain more views or recognition. I create content that I'm proud of and regardless of the views, I'm still going to be proud of it. Every article is another piece of myself that I am pouring into the world. Writing is how I express myself and as messy as it may be, it's still me. This is me in my truest form. This is my passion. This is my art.
So please, keep creating. Follow your dreams. Pursue them. Keep sharing your passions with the world, because they deserve to be seen. All those hidden talents or hobbies you have that nobody knows about-- don't keep them hidden. Broadcast them. Even when your drawings only get five likes and you think they're terrible, never stop being creative. Be proud of your work. Even if your version of creative happens to be creating 6-second video edits on Vine-- go for it. I've seen edits on Vine that convey more emotion within a duration of 6-seconds than a 45-minute YouTube video. There are millions of incredible artists out there, but they get discouraged by not getting an adequate amount of attention. Artists come in an infinite number of shapes and sizes. If you create something, you are an artist.
Original music, covers, articles, Tumblr blogs, YouTube videos, short paragraphs, poetry, cartoons, photography, dancing, video edits, photo edits, theater, even throwing random specs of paint on paper-- the options are endless. Whatever you create, is a piece of art. They are all tiny pieces of you added into the universe. Destroy that fear inside your head of not being good enough. It does not need to adhere to any particular standard to be considered to be good enough. It does not need to have 50k or even 15 views to be considered good enough. Your world is a blank canvas-- fill it with things you enjoy, and don't be afraid of sharing those things with others. Your art does not need to be the best; it just needs to be you.
As long as you pour your entire heart and soul into something, it's enough.
The quality of your content cannot be measured by numbers.
Never stop doing what makes you you and don't be afraid to share that part of you with the universe. You never know who you could inspire to do the same.
