A recent change from my newsletter provider has caused a disruption in my usual schedule. For several years, I have sent out a newsletter on writing topics, then followed it with a video on my YouTube channel.
Now, I am forced to abandon the newsletter, but will continue to send posts about writing through this blog. I hope my followers will benefit from my ideas and continue to write their own words, phrases, articles, stories, and books.
Why is it so important to continue writing, even when life’s circumstances dictate a change in direction?
Because exercising our free speech is a right, a privilege, and a freedom we should never take for granted. Even when social media grows toxic, it is still an opportunity to speak our truth. We can just choose to post and then exit out. Or utilize our own mental filters to ignore the ugliness. But never allow differing opinions to cause us to quit writing.
Because the exchange of ideas is instructive. Written debate underscores what we personally believe and forces us to think more reflectively about our core values. It can open a can of worms or stretch our minds to consider other opinions.
Most of us have changed our minds about some things we were taught as children. Part of the reason is because we were exposed to new thoughts, new beliefs, and new systems through the words we read.
Because words matter. They impact readers throughout the world in ways we may never know. If one belief is changed, one heart redirected, one toxic law changed, or one life saved — we have done our job as writers. We have made a difference. We have fulfilled our purpose.
So keep writing and follow me here. On the last Tuesday of each month, I will post on a writing topic. Thank you for your continued support.
©2025 RJ Thesman – All Rights Reserved
Don’t keep your writing a secret. Share it with the world. How do you do that? Check out these tips in: Write and Share Your Story: Creating Your Personal Experience Article.
For decades as a college professor I wrote academic and professional papers to advance ideas I had about school improvement. With wonderful associates, books were written to influence others to take action and innovate. Then I retired to care for a wife with Alzheimer’s, an affliction that makes persons we love gradually disappear while still physically alive. My confidant and reason for living was fading away, causing me to write differently. Thank you Rebecca for showing me how to reorient my writing. To find the words to help me rediscover my faith and purpose. Writing at my age is not just leaving a legacy. It is the means for maintaining physical and mental health.