From Raw to Refined

 

(I captured the screenshot in Posthaven, the blogging platform)

Just write --- not with the burden of perfection or the weight of procrastination, but with the courage to begin. Step by step, word by word, move toward the goals. But writing is not just writing.

It's more than that.

I want to share with you a personal story. In high school, I didn't often score highly in lectures, and I used to think that with my authentic literary sense, I should have earned better grades compared to a friend of mine who scored exceptionally high. Even though I didn't see much difference between our work. The truth is I never truly compared our pieces. 

Back then, maybe I felt my authenticity was overlooked by the grades I received. Perhaps I sought recognition from my teachers, hoping they would understand and appreciate my perspective. Maybe I was just a young girl rushed into competition. But years later, I've come to understand my abilities without needing to sit down and make a direct comparison. I now realize what I lacked.

An authentic view alone is not enough. It's raw, unrefined. It can truly shine when it is given the proper polish and attention through hard work, continuous learning, and an openness to improvement. I now see that authenticity is only the beginning. It's like a rough diamond --- it has potential, but it needs to be cut, shaped, and polished to reveal its true beauty.

To me now, writing isn't just about putting words together. A skilled writer has the ability to take the raw material of experience, express thoughts and emotions, and shape it into something both authentic and impactful --- something that resonates deeply with others and leaves a lasting impression long after the words are read. It's about profound observation and the ability to draw strong, meaningful connections between different aspects of life.

In the early years of this Blog, I overlooked this process, thinking that the act of expressing myself was sufficient. But over time, I've come to understand that it requires shaping my words with clarity, making them more compelling, and staying true to the message I want to communicate.

Furthermore, a personal blog much like a diary or journal --- is a journey of self-discovery, refinement, and growth. It’s a space to capture meaningful reflections and insights; a place to be authentic, not a space for self-doubt or fear of judgment. Developing my writing ability is vital to this process. It allows me to express myself more fully, find fulfillment in my thoughts, and gradually free myself from the fear of being judged.

I often reveal the details of my thoughts, emotions, personal experiences allowing my words to reflect my true self. To me, the most powerful way to deliver a meaningful message is through personal examples, even when it feels vulnerable. It's not about speaking in broad, general terms but about sharing something real, something lived --- something that others can genuinely connect with. Because what's real is what connects

As I've become more mindful of my mental well-being and grown to understand the importance of writing as a skill. I've realized that writing isn't just about pouring my heart out. The meaning may remain the same, but the way it's delivered can change everything. A message, no matter how sincere, only reaches its full potential when shaped with care and intention.

But it's not always easy. It requires finding the right rhythm, striking a balance between authenticity and creativity, and capturing not just my thoughts but the essence of what I'm trying to say.

In the end, writing is an act of nurturing authenticity with care, patience, and practice. After all, I am improving myself.

                                                                                                                Hanoi, May 15, 2025