Indeed, at times it's best to shut up.
If someone in my family is getting emotionally bent out of shape, I've had to learn to adapt.
You must read a lot of personal essays - you needn't reinvent the wheel.
For most of my life, I have wanted broad impact but now, at 72, I'm not so sure that's always my first priority.
Have fun writing, because it enhances both the writer's and reader's experience.
I really do like to write and when I'm not, I think, "Okay, I'll be a good citizen now" but fact is, that's secondary.