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Hey there, my non-existent readers! For this entry, I want to talk about something that I've been increasingly aware of in my writing, and that is my incessant overuse of the word "random". If you've been following my blog for a while (I can pretend like I don't have any followers, but I do, and there are 12 of them, so this is me acknowledging their existence 👽), you might have noticed this trend, and I've decided it's time to confront it head-on. So, let's dive into my love-hate relationship with the word "random" and how I plan to break free from its grip!
When I first started this blog, using "random"
seemed like a convenient way to describe anything unexpected or out of the
ordinary. It was a versatile word that I could employ to add a touch of
unpredictability to my anecdotes and narratives. Whether it was an impromptu
trip to a new place or a quirky encounter with a stranger, "random"
became my go-to adjective to capture those moments that defied the mundane.
But, as with any linguistic crutch, overusing the word
"random" had its consequences. It started to feel like a filler word,
a linguistic shortcut I leaned on without giving much thought. Upon re-reading
my older posts, I couldn't help but cringe at the sheer number of times I had
inserted "random" into my writing. It was becoming a cliche, diluting
the impact of my storytelling and turning it into a repetitive and lacklustre
experience.
Awareness was the first step towards change. Recognising my
overuse of "random" allowed me to take a step back and understand why
I was relying on it so much. Digging deeper, I realised that my desire to sound
relatable and quirky might have fuelled this overuse. "Random" had
become a security blanket, masking the vulnerability of embracing unique and
authentic storytelling.
To break free from this cycle, I’m challenging myself to
find alternative words and expressions that convey the same spirit of surprise
and spontaneity. Instead of "random", I can start using
"unexpected," "unforeseen," "serendipitous," or
even "whimsical" to paint vivid pictures of the moments I want to
share with you, my readers. These words can add depth and nuance to my writing,
and breathe new life into my narratives.
Additionally, I learned the importance of context. While
"random" might still have its place in casual conversations and
informal writing, using it thoughtfully and sparingly in my blog posts was
crucial to maintaining the impact of the word. Contextualising its usage made
it feel more intentional, rather than a default descriptor.
Moreover, I believe that incorporating personal reflections
and emotional connections into my storytelling will help minimise the urge to rely
on cliches like "random". By delving into the emotions that these
moments evoke in me, I can convey their significance more effectively and
create a lasting impression on my readers, hopefully.
In conclusion, embracing my overuse of "random"
has been a valuable journey in linguistic self-awareness. As a writer
blogger, whom no one has ever heard of, it's essential to constantly challenge myself, acknowledge my linguistic crutches, and seek ways to improve my craft. Words hold immense power, and using them with intentionality can elevate
our storytelling to new heights.
So, from now on, you can expect a fresher and more
thoughtfully crafted writing style on this blog. Let's bid adieu to the
overused "random" and welcome a more diverse and exciting range of
adjectives into our literary arsenal.
Thanks for joining me on this reflective journey! Until next time!
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