A while back, one of my friends questioned my penchant for voluntarily placing myself in situations where I could get hurt, for “manufacturing fear”. The world provides enough danger already, why go out looking for more?

She was referring to mountain climbing, but in many ways, she was also talking about the writing life, exposing myself unnecessarily to criticism and discomfort. (I’m telling you, you want to spice up your life, put a book out into the world.) This is a theme I’ve been exploring lately, which got me thinking about this video response I created for her.

My dad used to say, “If it weren’t hard, everybody would be doing it.” And I’ve come to appreciate the truth of that. But what that maxim doesn’t convey are the rewards that accompany the willingness to do what others will not: Clarity, self-acceptance, confidence, self-mastery, inner peace. (These are the very gifts book writing will also bring you.)

I could be wrong, but I don’t think you can find those things sitting on your couch. Playing it small and safe.