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sum1 · 11-11-2002, 07:30 PM

Well, I'm not trying to pressure anyone into coughing up poetry, but, like I said in my last post on this thread, I think one's work in any art should be shared. In general, except where there are reasons for secrecy (which could arguably include forum sites like this), openess about "personal" things of all sorts, not just art, but private fears, doubts, dreams, fantasies, etc, is conducive to confidence, forthrightness, honesty, healthy assertiveness and vanquishing anxiety, embarrassment and doubt. It's also good for communication, cooperation, negotiation and mutual understanding, essentials of good interpersonal interaction. This is because it brings into the open and into negotiation things that often need discussing. What's not talked about often needs to be discussed more than what is. Also, being open about things allows people to much more easily be unashamedly themselves. Being yourself is crucial for secure mental health -most people are a lot less mentally healthy than they think, because they're too afraid to be themselves. I think it's a good idea to just stop caring about what others might think, at least long enough to make what's "personal" public, and then you can't afford to be bothered about their reaction, because you're stuck with it -you have to adapt, drop your fear, embarrassment, self-consciousness, etc. It's a case of jumping in the deep end and swimming. In this situation, you don't drown if you do it with sufficient conviction and commitment. The trick is in rising above all that stuff that holds you back, having contempt for it. Of course, people might react unpleasantly, but they probably won't, or at least not as much, if you show you're confident and unfazed. I don't mean pretend to be that way. I mean re-adjust your viewpoint so you genuinely no longer care. Stuff like fear, doubt, shyness, etc, is there to protect us, but it often ends up doing more harm than what it's supposed to protect against. As such, it's often counter-productive, so, when it is, get rid of it, drop it, free yourself. That stuff's just not worth it. Don't subordinate yourself to anyone elses's view of you or opinions about life. Find a realistic standard to judge yourself by, your own private standard, and hold yourself to that. Other people's views always count, but as info input, suggestions, ideas, etc, not something to be held to. Express yourself, be yourself, be open, be free. Privacy is a human right, but open self-expression is the breath of life. Really, I wish I could explain this viewpoint better. It's all there in my head, but getting it onto the page isn't so easy. I've probably left out some really important parts. This opinion comes from personal experience, among other things. I used to have major troubles in my life due to holding myself back, but I've changed a lot of that. I still struggle with it at times, but I'm winning the war. It's easiest for me when I can see who I'm talking to (for some people it can be the reverse, so I gather), so I'm often shyer here on FF than I am in the flesh. Still, I think, for most people, it's probably easiest with those you know. Well, that's enough getting preachy for one post.