Is there a Greater Purpose in All of This?
Is there a Greater Purpose in All of This?
still feeling like a hamster in a wheel, and what about God?
My last post here at Substack got 23 views and went to 7 recipients. I guess that’s better than zeroes. I continue to ask the question. What is the point in all this? Is there a greater purpose? I’m not so sure. I still feel like a hamster on a wheel or a man lost in the wilderness.
In think we all like to think that we are special. We want people to like our work. Some of us may be damn good writers, artists, and musicians. But in today’s digital landscape being good does not equal finding an audience. Being unique does not lead to mass success. Sadly, it’s often the ones who seek attention and stick to safe and formulaic models who are more likely to succeed. That leaves people like myself feeling like we just spin our wheels. The hamster keeps running.
My last post here was different. I presented an example of some short starts to potential fictional works. Maybe that’s not what people want. Maybe they want the same old, “Five Ways to Write Better Blog Posts” or “How to Stop Worrying About What Other People Think” bullshit. Don’t people ever tire of reading the same kind of advice over and over and over? I know I do.
Is there a Greater Purpose?
I know many people will turn to the idea of God and God’s plan when I ask a question like this. But when I see people wait for God’s lead there are a couple of problems that present themselves. First, they wait. If you want to make a difference in this world waiting might not be your best action. Second, decisions are often based purely from emotionally charged thoughts about God. I doubt God really tells anyone exactly where to go, what to do, or whether or not they should write a book. These are decisions we convince ourselves of.
It might be better to ask if I am making a difference. And if I am making a difference, in whose lives? For how many? Based on my numbers here I’d say I’m not making much difference at all. I’d argue that being a pastor isn’t much better. I’d rather be a firefighter and save real people from dying in a burning building than save “souls” from a hell that quite possibly does not exist. So what good is my writing here if I’m not making a difference?
Writing Helps Myself, but Isn’t That Selfish?
The one person that might get something out of my posts here is me. I know, that sounds both sad and selfish. Still, it’s true. Writing is a form of therapy. Even if I’m just bitching about not being heard at least I’m writing. The more we write the deeper we contemplate. That may be either good or bad. Sometimes more depth is exactly what a good piece of writing needs. Other times we may overthink and publish pure philosophical meanderings that bore the fuck out of the few readers we muster up.
So where do I go from here? I’m not quite ready to quit at SubStack. I am getting closer. If I see an increase in subscribers I might be convinced to stick with it. Otherwise, I feel like operating my own site www.danstevenerickson.com is probably enough. Not only can you see some of my thoughts about creativity there, you can also find my books and music and poetry. More bang for your buck and it’s free.
If you’d like to see me continue writing longer form articles here at SubStack I urge you to subscribe. If you’ve already subscribed, share my work. Tell a friend. Get me off this hamster wheel before I jump.
I believe there is a greater purpose. I don’t believe it’s always God-driven. I think humans can become bearers of light. I believe the messages and art we share can instruct and motivate others. We can be a beacon of hope. Let’s do this. - dse