My Trip to the The Land of Middling
I took pride in being an introvert. A non-confrontational, “nice guy.” For 29 years, I spent blazing the path of least resistance. It’s a nice, paved highway. It’s familiar, comfortable and low risk. About 8 months ago, I took a wrong turn, which in fact, was actually the right turn.
I did something for me.
I wrote. Me-Style.
It was scary. Writing for a corporate blog, I had fallen into a habit of censorship. Not the f*ck you and bullsh*t kind of censorship, but the type that tiptoed it’s way up and shoved me into a stylistic casket built on conventions. I scrutinized. I edited. I was careful. But writing is organic. It breathes. It lives. But I was killing the heart, the soul of writing. I was drowning the passion that makes it grow. I was poisoning the air that allows it to whisper. By every edit, doubt and restructuring, I was killing me.
I can’t say what caused me to drive off this road of tradition, but I was able to identify who I REALLY was, maybe for the first time ever. I’ve come to realize that I had been living without passion. There’s no way I could EVER be good at what I do, because I never identified it. This simple peak behind a door didn’t necessarily identify who I was with a small glimpse. I fully believe we go through life learning who we are as much as we learn about others. But this glimpse helped me realize that if I didn’t add a dose of myself in what I do, I’ll simply be on that highway to the Land of Middling forever.
Many of us can sacrifice bits of who we are to accomplish something else. But what’s the point of a trade off? If you’re missing an eye, what good does it do to replace it with your other one? We work to build communities. We surround ourselves with people that enjoy who we are and what we say. But when there is no evidence of you in what you do, who is it satisfying?
I’m still learning. I hope I never get to that fallacy of a place where I think I’ve learned it all. As I learn, I’m still identifying my own passions. Visualizing my own goals.
But I learned a trick.
I’m a quiet individual. Shy by nature. But every so often, I ramble about something. On and on and on. It’s nearly out of body for me.
I’ve learned – That’s passion.
I’ve learned – That’s a part of me.
And I smile. Because I know at that moment, I’m headed away from The Land of Middling.
(image via orvalrochefort)
Great post Eric! Thank you for voicing your thoughts, your beautiful words and for keeping true to who you are. And thank you for always pushing me b/c you believe that I am more than I put out.
Thank YOU Lindsay. You do as much pushing to those around you as anyone I know.
So glad you started writing!
Thanks dude!!
Eric, I love this! In the short time I have known you I have seen a person of tremendous depth emerge, with wisdom way beyond his years.
Every time I read something you write, I learn something new about you and about the world. I like that.
Thanks a whole bunch and I look forward to treating myself to your musings frequently!
Mike
Thank you Michael! You’re a fantastic source of encouragement and your inspirational comments, direct or indirect, plays a large part of my growth, and the growth of others around you. THANK YOU FRIEND.
I love your writing style, Eric. It’s warm, inviting and provides that essential “aha!” moment. I’m looking forward to reading more.
Stay off the middle, it’s working for you
Thank you Ash! I really appreciate that you’re able to connect with my style. It’s comments like these that keep me going
Beautiful prose Eric. Your calling has found you.
Thank you Kim! I appreciate your kindness. Thank you for reading!