When I heard about Odyssey, I wasn't sure if it would be something for me, it wasn't that I didn't want or like to write, it was more than I have a hard time with people reading my things. I feel like they would think it's something weird or awkward, so mostly, apart from my school things, I only write for myself. However, since I started writing for Odyssey, it has given me a way to express myself, and I try to write as if I was just telling myself, in a way thing could be considered my own personal diary.
At first, it made me a little uncomfortable, but with time, I have gotten used to the idea of writing, it doesn't make it easier or less self-conscious about it, but it does make me feel a little more confident about what I write. I thought that no one really cares about what I had to say, because after all I never wanted to be a writer. However, we now live in a time where every thought matters, every word you say has an important meaning and everyone should be able to hear it.
So now I write so my voice can be heard. Whether is good articles or not, the intent is there, and I wish everyone was able to at least try and write something. It doesn't have to be for Odyssey, but at least do it for yourself. Give yourself the power to express your feelings and thoughts and you would see how liberating it would be.
When I write, I do not have something previously prepare, I just know a deadline is coming and I need to write something, so I open my laptop, open a word document and sit in front of my computer until inspiration comes to me. Sometimes I have a little trouble finding something, or I start writing something and then halfway through I hate it, so I start again, or simply ask for help because not having an idea doesn't mean you do not have any ideas. The help you ask for is something everybody needs, and it just pushes you to think deeper and become more aware of yourself and your beliefs. The people you ask for help do not tell you what to write, they merely make you conscious of yourself and your feelings, and that is what helps you and inspires you to write an article every week.
Sometimes the articles might follow a theme, sometimes they can contradict themselves, but that's okay, you know why? Because you are giving yourself an opportunity to talk, to get out there, express yourself and your thoughts, and you become aware of the great power you have on your hands.
You are giving yourself the power to speak out and let everyone hear what it is to say, it might be important, it might be silly, but those are your thoughts, and once a week you are about to get them out there for everyone to see, and that might just be the most liberating feeling in the world.
