Why create a blog in 2020?
So 2020 has introduced an entirely new language of words including #coronavirus , social-distancing, and 'the new normal'. This year has bought an unprecedented amount of change bringing with it a hell of a lot of screen time. So is there really a need for yet another blog given how crowded the internet is?
Honestly, writing has always been cathartic for me to make sense of the world, and it seems reading continues to be the main way we receive information despite the super convenient ways we can be told things these days.
This love for writing goes back a long time for me. I have stacks of journals from my childhood that is pretty entertaining (/embarrassing) to look back on, to say the least.
This habit evolved over time and lead me to experiment with the idea of blogging. I became part of ‘Generation Tumblr’ crafting words, pictures and playlists to capture my youth online. Small but dedicated communities of followers grew across the pages I made, and there was something liberating about creating words instead of selfies during the advent of Instagram.
I’ve always loved how words have the power to create a connection. (Yes I am a self-professed ‘words of affirmation’ love language gal á la Gary Chapman, 5 love languages!).
So why return to writing now?
Recently I realise that the itch to create is still there. I also love that #technology has democratised expression of thought. Democracy is not just about voting for our leaders. Democracy is normal people having access to information and freedom of communication to make decisions about their own lives. There’s something radical in how it has deconstructed old narratives of privilege and access to power. Everyone gets a seat at the table. Grassroots social movements and the views of the most marginalised are amplified that bit more thanks to technology.
I think there is something beautiful about how how tech can humble us into remembering the world is much bigger than ourselves, one narrative, one experience, one bubble. We are interconnected and our actions affect one other.
However, recently I’ve been feeling the space under an IG post, story, or Facebook status isn’t cutting it with everything that’s going on. I’ve been holding myself back from writing lengthy posts on socials whilst witnessing: the spread of a global pandemic, increased inequality, human rights violations, glaring racism…and yet, the beauty of the human spirit glowing though it all. Returning to writing will be like coming home to my first love.
Riah Writes will be a space of both activism and peaceful reflection.
Introductions
My name is Mariah, but also known as 'Riah' (pronounced 'Rye-ah') to some friends and on socials.
I’m a London living, popcorn eating, essential oil diffusing, Neo-Soul listening twenty-something year old!
By day I’m a mental health professional with a curiosity for everything to do with the mind, wellbeing and what drives us as humans. I also have a deep love for the arts and creativity. I believe in merging these passions to create communities of growth and acceptance.
I’ll be posting loads of engaging content, so be sure to keep your check out the blog menu organized with Categories that will allow you to explore more of what interests you. I'll be writing on the topics that inspire me the most:
ARTS- Creativity, inspiring exhibitions, new music, online theatre events or reviews of cultural events.
COMMUNITY- Social issues that affect us locally and globally and encouragement to support movements that matter.
MIND AND SOUL- Self-care for the inside: nurturing our mental health, wellbeing, spirituality and personal development.
WELLNESS- Self-care for the outside: health, beauty and clean living.
WORDS- Poetry, book reviews, lessons from podcasts and conversations with the guests on my own podcasts if listening to words rather than reading them is more your thing.
Will this be sustained beyond lockdown or 2020? I don’t know. But what I do know is a limit on characters for Tweets, Facebook statuses or IG captions isn’t enough for me at the moment. (Plus may be annoying for followers that just want to see pictures of lockdown baking or the daily government-approved walk!)
So welcome to Riah Writes. Be provoked. Be refreshed and renewed. Be at home.
Thanks for visiting the Riah Writes creative writing blog. Riah is a creative writing blogger/poetry blogger interested in wellness, society, social justice rights issues and the Arts. Follow the blog and on Instagram to stay updated on new content.