A Writer’s Truth

Dear Readers,

Writing has always been more than just a skill for me; it’s been my refuge, a deeply personal act of self-expression. Every word I write feels like a fragment of my thoughts, emotions, and experiences that I struggle to voice aloud. But there’s a cost to putting so much of myself into my writing. When people doubt the authenticity of my words or, worse, dismiss them altogether, it doesn’t just sting it feels like they’re questioning my very existence.

The vulnerability of writing is what makes it so meaningful. Each sentence I craft, especially when I write about personal struggles, opens a window into my soul. But when others look through that window and turn away with skepticism, it’s more than disheartening. It’s devastating. It feels as if they’re not only rejecting my work but also the truths I’ve lived, the pain I’ve endured, and the healing I’ve fought so hard for.

Criticism, especially when it feels unwarranted, has a way of burrowing deep. It lingers, gnawing at my sense of self. When I write about difficult topics trauma, mental health, or personal loss I’m not just telling a story; I’m baring my heart. And when people dismiss that, it feels as if they’re saying my experiences don’t matter. The words I write aren’t just words; they’re a lifeline. To have them cast aside is like being told that lifeline was unnecessary all along.

In the quiet moments after harsh criticism, self-doubt creeps in, whispering cruel thoughts: Maybe my story doesn’t matter. Maybe I’m not good enough. Maybe no one will ever care. These doubts are paralyzing, especially when writing is more than a creative outlet it’s a way of processing emotions, making sense of my chaotic world, and trying to reach others who might feel the same. When people dismiss my work, it’s like they’re dismissing the healing I’ve fought so hard to achieve.

But no matter how painful the criticism or how loud the doubts, I keep going. Writing is too vital to give up on, even when it feels like no one is listening. I hold on to the belief that my story matters. Somewhere out there, someone needs to hear it. Perhaps they feel lost, misunderstood, or isolated. My words might be the connection they didn’t realize they needed a reminder that they’re not alone.

Writing is also healing. Even when the audience feels invisible, the act of writing brings clarity and structure to my emotions. It helps me shift through the chaos, bringing a sense of peace I can’t find anywhere else. And while the critics may think they hold the power, they’re not the final judge of my words. Many of the greatest voices in history were doubted, dismissed, or misunderstood in their time, yet they persisted because they believed in their truth.

Continuing to write, even when met with doubt, is an act of defiance. It’s a way of saying, My voice matters, no matter what you think. The beauty of writing is that it transcends understanding. For every person who dismisses it, there may be someone who finds meaning, solace or hope in those same words. That’s what keeps me going the possibility that my story, no matter how small, might make a difference.

There are days when I want to give up, to silence the voice that constantly feels scrutinized and misunderstood. But then I remember why I started writing in the first place: not for the critics, but for myself and for anyone who might need to know they’re not alone in their struggles. Writing is my way of reaching out, a reminder that even when the world feels isolating, we can still connect through shared truths and emotions.

To every writer who has felt the sting of doubt or dismissal: please don’t stop. Your voice matters, even when it feels like no one is listening. Keep writing, not for the world, but for yourself and for the ones who will find comfort in your words. The critics will always be there, but they are not the ones who define you. Writing is more than an act of self-expression; it’s an act of resilience.

So I will keep writing. I will keep telling my truth, no matter how much it hurts, because I believe in the power of words to heal, to connect, and to inspire. And to those who write from the heart, I offer this: don’t let the doubts or dismissals silence you. Keep going. Keep writing. Because our words matter, even when the world struggles to see their worth.

God bless us all.

Jacob M