Blogging

Blogging is a unique I Ho Chuan requirement. It is one of the only requirements that is purely mental. Definitely one of the more difficult requirements for me when I first began my first year with the team. In high school, my least favourite subject was Language Arts. I felt like I could not think of anything compelling to say, that it was not something I would ever be good at. I only went through the classes because I had to and was happier than ever when I found out I was not required to write another essay again after my last final.

Fast forward 5 years to 2014 and I found myself facing my old nemesis, creative writing, again. This time though, it was public writing, my promise to myself and the I Ho Chuan team. As stated before, I was not thrilled about this particular requirement. I felt that I was not the best with words, nervous about what people might think of what I had to say. I made a promise though, and by then in my life, I wanted truly to live up to my word. Through engaged repetition, whether I wanted to or not, I started to develop my skill in writing blogs, week after week. (A couple missed ones, I will admit.)

Does this mean that every blog I wrote was perfect? Absolutely not. However, like anything I do, I make my best effort to improve a little bit each time. There are still times when I hover the mouse over the "publish" button, holding my breath and cringing as I press it, finalizing what might be a fantastic post or indeed something truly cringe worthy.

You don't know unless you take that last step! I am so grateful that this is something we are required to do for a successful I Ho Chuan year. It is a fantastic tool that expands what we learn through words. Reflecting on and sharing our journey with those around us in a unique way. Many take this opportunity we have in front of us for granted. The ability to freely voice our ideas, our experiences and our opinions without fear of being silenced. We have no idea how lucky we are.

If I could go back and tell my 17 year old self what a joy it is to write a blog once, sometimes twice a week for the entire internet to read, he would laugh in disbelief. Oh, how much has changed in such a short time.