55. Use I instead of You and We

I’ve noticed that I’ve been using a lot of You and We in my writing instead of ‘I’. That is quite a cowardly act.

I like to bring up a certain feeling or situation and use the representation of other people to mask the direct reference to me. I realized that I did this to avoid or minimize vulnerability. It makes it easy to say something or express an opinion when you make it sound like everyone does it too. I am camouflaging my raw feeling and thoughts by putting everyone else in the same stance with me.

The fact is, I don’t have any or little evidence that shows whatever statement I make applies to anyone else but myself. Plus, when I look at the writing that I’m deeply drawn to, it’s always the personal stories, and opinion told from the first point of view. It feels a lot more intimate and relatable.

Part of the reasons I started the 100 Naked Words challenge it to practice vulnerability. And I should use vulnerability as a source of power, not hindrance. It should be something that I embrace rather than avoid.

So note to self: be bold, be vulnerable, be authentic. Use I, me, mine to tell a story.