There may well be another option: a melange of obsessive compulsiveness, perfectionism, and self-consciousness paralyzes you from doing anything that fosters deep human connection like creative writing.
I'm pleased to report that great things have been happening offline despite the aforementioned paralysis being also true in my case.
And true to my characeter, I push for connections. My last post was on the same day -- July the 12th -- a year ago. Cheers? To a year of busying myself with once-dreams.
However, I'd like to talk a bit more about the fears. The wisdom goes, "Courage is not the absence of fear, rather the ability to act despite fear. Courage is knowing that there is something greater than your fear."
The past year has proven that I am courageous in my own way, and I have learned, through experience and by observing the actions of others, that one way to manage fear is preparedness. Also, direct kindness inwards. Whether you fly or fumble, embrace yourself.
One of my post-pandemic goals is to engage with with people face-to-face. The initiative has rewarded me with people who want me to succeed while understanding that I am a fallible creature. They acknowledge my mistakes without ever making me feel that said mistakes lessen my value. If you receive such graciousness, embrace it as well.
