You are probably wondering what my title has to do with my blog this week. So am I.

The journey of the blog I am now currently writing has been a long one; I started approximately three and a half days ago. Like nearly all writing assignments – but particularly Art Studies – I find this one difficult to write.

Why?

Because I am consistently critical as I am writing; this has proven to be extremely time consuming.

This was the introduction to my blog (three and a half days ago):

For the last 3 Art Studies classes with Dr. Luger our main focus has been on the novel, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close written by Jonathan Safran Foer and the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks. This somewhat confusing novel tells the story of Oskar Schell, a 9 year old boy from New York. Oskar loses his father in the events of 9/11 and in his attempt to find closure finds something quite different in his father’s closet – a key. This is the start of an ambitious quest to locate the matching lock. In our class discussions we have spoken about various aspects of the novel as well as the events and response to 9/11. All which I found interesting. Truth.

Initially, my thesis statement involved some kind of skepticism regarding the wording of the “War on Terror” and an exploration of the growing anti- Islamic sentiments, not only in the United States but world-wide.

That which was written after, well, you cannot see it, because I deleted it.

Why?

Because I tried to answer the question Why was a war chosen to end terrorism?  I lost myself for over 5 hours in cyberspace, reading nearly everything that caught my attention relating to the “War on Terror” and global anti- Islamic sentiments. I proceeded to write what would have been my 3 body paragraphs and finally I came to the conclusion that war is exceptionally complicated and painful for nearly all involved. I certainly could have told you that and I am nearly positive that you too could have told me that before I did my research and writing and you read this blog. I realize that my conclusion may seem rather anti-climatic and obvious. However, I think it can be credited with some validity. If you read up and think long enough about why war was chosen to end terrorism I think you will agree with my conclusion.

Right now, I am doubting myself yet again, because I am not sure if my style and content are acceptable for this assignment. However the stakes are sitting at a solid 2 percent of my grade so I have decided to continue.

This problem I have experienced which I would like to call mild, but chronic writers block is recent and began in September 2014 (coincidentally the month I started university). I have spent a decent amount of time wondering what happens to me when I have to write and why, because in all honesty it is one of the most frustrating experiences. However, after all my reading and having little direct substance to show for it I think I realized what has been contributing to this mild, but chronic writers block. While I write I am constantly concerned what people, especially the teacher is going to think of what I am writing- to such a great degree that it inhibits me from producing work in a decent amount of time. I am not saying one should not think about those reading their writing- please do- but don’t let it stop you  from expressing what you think or feel (granted respect is present).

This made me think of the first GEOB discussion group meeting I had 2 days ago. Collectively we had to come up with a set of community guidelines for our discussion- which reminded me of my first day in grade 4. We went around the table and each person offered up their suggestion. It felt childish, but the Teacher’s Assistant made sure that everyone spoke. One wise man in the discussion said “Be real”, a few people laughed, but I swear he is onto something. I am sure that the majority of you know what it means to be real, and I know I probably should not get into the habit of consulting Urban Dictionary for definitions when I am doing University work, but I found some good definitions to remind you.

“The action of being true to the code of ethics of one’s self, culture, and environment.”

“Simply describing something that is not fake.”

“The action of being true to one’s self as well as being true to others.”

“[Being] free from any intent to deceive or impress others.”

He said something along the lines that it appears people in university are often trying to impress others and in the process lose authenticity and genuineness. I agree. Obviously lack of sincerity is everywhere, but if I do say so myself- It is at university that I have experienced the most.

So what?

In the wake of a new year, I urge whoever is reading this blog…

Be real. Be genuine. Be you. 

Zero percent cheesiness intended.