Just like I did

I am starting to get a feel for my own writing, for what is good and what is not so good.

Of course the danger in that is egotism.  There is a fine line between confidence and hubris.

I remember the older people whose long drawn out talks drove me nuts as a child and teenager and I remember the pontificating that made me roll my eyes as a very young adult.

Later on I learned that instead of rolling my eyes, or thinking about how I would counter their words if I dared, it was better to listen; listen and sift out those things that meant something to me.  There is always something to be learned even if it is what not to do.

Still, there is also a line between false humility and fear.  The fear that I may think my work is better than someone else thinks is well founded.  In fact, it's a fact.  There will always be people who don't like what I have to say.  I can't be bound by them either.

I read something the other day that basically said, only I can be me and if I don't do that, whatever I have to offer is lost.  That is something to think about.

I have to put myself out there, be me, make mistakes and let others take what is worth keeping in their opinion.  Just like I did.