In today's post, I am writing about writing. Specifically, since this is a nature and wildlife blog, I am considering some of the reasons I write about nature and wildlife.
1. Failing and mistaking
I do not know everything there is to know about the natural world and wildlife. There are a great number of people out there with far better and more extensive knowledge, and there are those who specialise in certain fields from whom I could learn so much.
Writing is a form of communication. It isn't just about sharing what I have learned and/or experienced, but a chance for me to sit back and listen to those that know better. It is an opportunity to reach out and learn. So, if I fail or make a mistake, and you know better, please, jump into the comments and teach me. I am honoured by your knowledge!
2. The community
Following on from the above point, writing about nature and wildlife allows me the opportunity to have exchanges with like-minded people.
When I am done with the writing (the proofreading and the editing too), I have to step away from the blog and start promoting my humble little blog in spaces where those like-minded people might gather. So, I find myself on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, etc., in the company of people who share this passion for nature. There are some really keen wildlife gardeners, hikers, birdwatchers, activists, and other wildlife and nature lovers out there. And it's a privilege to be able to share in their passions!
3. Because I am a good writer
As I have joined groups and followed social media accounts, I have noticed that people honour nature and wildlife in their own ways (I wrote a little post about some of the ways people can honour nature and wildlife here). There are photographers, poets, activists, advocates, fundraisers . . .
People go to nature and they bring their own particular set of skills with them so that they can share their passion with others when they return to their lives indoors. In my humble opinion, and even if I do say so myself, I would say that I am a fairly decent writer. I won't be toppling any of the greats from their pedestals with my efforts, but I have the skillset that I feel I can honour nature and wildlife with my words and not do them an injustice. Of course, sometimes there just are no words grand enough to convey the beauty and grace of the natural world. But, I strive to do my very best!
4. Making sense of it all
As I plod along countryside paths, in awe of some sighting or another, it can be difficult to make sense of what I have seen, or what I am feeling.
Plenty of us have spotted an animal as we have been out in nature and found ourselves asking, "Why on earth is it doing that, I wonder?"
We hurriedly take our phone from our pocket, trying for a photo or video so that we can share it in one of those Facebook groups of which we are a member. Perhaps someone there will know what is going on and be able to enlighten us.
Writing about my experiences in nature means that I am making the time to stop, consider what I have seen, research, and share those experiences. This ties in with what I have said above, regarding failing and mistaking.
But writing also gives me the chance to explore my feelings too. When I am immersed in some fleetingly joyous moment, I don't really look at what I am feeling, I just ride it out. But when I am sitting at my laptop, tapping away, I have to find the words to try and convey that joy, and any other feelings, which gives me space to recognise them and know those feelings better.
5. And, because I love nature and wildlife
I grew up in the countryside. From the bathroom window of my parents' house, I saw rabbits, deer, foxes, hedgehogs, sparrowhawks, red kites . . . And that's without even leaving the house!
I don't really have a satisfactory answer to the question of where exactly my adoration for nature and wildlife comes from. It's true that I did grow up in the countryside and had the opportunity to see some wonderful animals and plant life. However, I don't think it can be that alone. After all, there are plenty that grow up in the countryside and care not a jot for nature and wildlife.
All I can say is that I have had a fascination for the natural world since I was very young and it hasn't gone anywhere. And I hope it never does.
Thank you for reading my reasons for writing about nature. If you enjoyed the piece, you can buy me a coffee on ko-fi.com - the caffeine keeps me going back to nature and returning to my laptop to write about what I find there! Thank you!
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