"وجدت أنه يجب علي إيجاد طريقة لحماية نفسي لأن الكتابة وضع ضعيف للغاية"

Writing is a deeply personal endeavor, something that leaves you exposed and raw for the world to see. The act of putting your thoughts, feelings, and experiences onto paper can feel like you're opening a door into your innermost self, and that's a scary place to be. It's no wonder that many writers talk about the need to protect themselves. When you write, you're not just stringing words together—you're sharing a piece of who you are. And that can make you feel incredibly vulnerable.

Imagine you’re sitting in a café, sipping on a warm latte while trying to put your thoughts into words. Every keystroke, every sentence carries a part of your essence. There's that fear of judgement, the possibility of rejection, and the anxiety of being misunderstood. It's natural to feel the need to shield yourself from potential pain and criticism. That’s what the quote is getting at: the necessity of finding ways to guard your emotional well-being while still engaging in the creative process.

Historically, many writers have dealt with this vulnerability in different ways. Sylvia Plath, for instance, often wrote in a semi-autobiographical style, embedding her personal struggles within her narratives. Her need for some form of protection came from the intensity of her emotional experiences, which she channeled into her work. The context here is clear—writers have always grappled with how much of themselves to reveal and how to cope with the repercussions.

Let’s talk about a real-life example. Think about J.K. Rowling, who wrote the Harry Potter series. Initially, she was a single mother struggling to make ends meet. She wrote in cafés while her baby napped next to her. The world of Harry Potter wasn’t just a story—it was her sanctuary, a way to escape from and make sense of her own challenges. By creating a magical world, she found a way to protect her vulnerable self, offering only what she chose to share and keeping the rest guarded within her heart.

So, what’s the takeaway? If you’re a writer—or anyone creating something deeply personal—find your own method of self-protection. It could be setting boundaries about what you share publicly versus privately, or it might involve creating a fictional world where your real-life struggles are masked by fantasy. It’s like having a safety net; it allows you to be brave in your creative expression without feeling completely exposed.

Now, imagine a scenario. Picture a young writer named Alex. Alex loves writing short stories but is terrified of sharing them. Each story is a fragment of his soul, and the thought of people judging his deepest thoughts makes him anxious. So, Alex decides to use a pen name. This way, he can share his stories with the world but still feel a sense of protection. He’s not Alex, the vulnerable writer; he’s a mysterious author who writes captivating tales. This allows him to express his creativity freely without the paralyzing fear of personal exposure.

In essence, writing is like standing naked in a room full of people. You need to find your way to feel comfortable in that vulnerability. Whether it’s through creating layers of fiction, using a pseudonym, or simply setting clear boundaries about what you’re willing to share, it’s all about finding that balance. Remember, it’s okay to protect yourself. Your well-being is just as important as your creative expression.