Many years ago in my early days of blogging, while out on a walk with my son, he made a comment at that time which left a big imprint. It was quite a learning experience, not only for me as a parent, but for my writing as well.

Now more than ten years later, he works as a professional writer in London, and he sent me this.

Years ago as a young man my mother asked me to help her with an entry for her blog by taking photos. Though I don’t remember it well, I for whatever reason was annoyed enough by her request to say ‘Das liest doch eh keiner’ (German for ‘nobody will read that anyways’). As callous as the statement was in hindsight, my mother later told me that my bit of blunt honesty made her less self-conscious and restrained when expressing herself online.

Given how much of our communication online these days is scrutinized and policed by other users, the unintended impact my words had are perhaps more relevant than ever. Too often are we afraid to express our true selves for fear of repercussion. Too often are we worried about what other people will think or say.

If we don’t express ourselves as we are, though, then how can we really hope to ‘know ourselves’ as old adage from the oracle at Delphi goes? The more our lips are sealed, the heavier the burden of truth lays on our shoulders. The truth shall set you free.

Write, then, as if nobody will read it.

Speak, then, as if nobody will listen.

Express yourself.