Competition and the value of r/creative_writing

A week ago, I sent a post about how the competition and subjective nature of writing and r/creative_writing had me questioning if I am good enough. <br><br>I published a post a few days ago with a tentative plan to rotate the people in charge of the week, non-anon or anonymous. As soon as I posted the idea, I felt like the weight of it lifted off my shoulders. The comments in the post, and DMS I have received since have made it very clear that the only people that needed to hear my feelings were me.<br><br>As I get ready for the holidays, I wanted to share my thoughts on the nature of r/creative_writing. Writing is a unique hobby, and a difficult competition. This is a creative endeavor with a subjective measure of success.<br><br>I have not always felt that way.<br><br>When I started writing, it was an exercise in crafting the best story I could. The world was full of themes, characters, and settings to draw inspiration from, and I reveled in the freedom to explore them. I still do.<br><br>I joined r/creative_writing in 2012, as a place to have people read my writing, and place to share my thoughts on reading. I had already started what would eventually become my first published novel, and was well on my way to completing it. I was proud of my work. I was proud of myself for pushing through every stage of the process. I was proud of myself, and I loved what I was creating.<br><br>As you commented on my last post, I realized what I had lost sight of. I lost sight of the value of writing and r/creative_writing.<br><br>I did it to myself.<br><br>I lost sight of the enjoyment of writing. I lost sight of the joy in crafting. I lost sight of the value of r/creative_writing as a community of writers.<br><br>The enjoyment of writing, the pride of self accomplishment, and the value of r/creative_writing are not defined by other people.<br><br>I am proud of my work. I am proud of myself, and I love what I am creating.<br><br>I am grateful for all of your words of wisdom.<br><br>Thanks for reading.<br><br>-Eric<br><br>P.S. I am going to be offline for a few days, so there will be no updates for a few days.