Highway to Hoeftland

I have something personal to share with you. I finally got the courage to write.

Up until recently, for some ridiculous reason, a voice inside me kept saying, “No, you’re not good enough,” and “there are a million better writers out there,—don’t embarrass yourself by sharing what you write about.” I listened to that voice for far too long. Does this sound familiar to you at all? I think we all have some annoying voices in our heads that are hurtful, rather than helpful.

Conquering Trepidation

Why is writing and sharing scary? It doesn’t seem like it should be a big deal to write, but then again, it is, because once someone reads what you wrote, it can’t be taken back. Once it’s posted, it exists in the universe. Now everyone knows. It can be an intimidating thought.

At last, I had enough of my reservations. I asked myself, what is worse, hiding, or showing up and being awful? As it turns out, I think hiding is inferior to bad work.

Do What You Love

I recognize now that even if I’m the worst writer in the world, I still want to write.

What matters is not how ‘good’ or ‘bad’ someone is at what they do, but that they practice what they love. I no longer care if there’s a billion blogs unread online, or if my grammar needs improving and my stories need sharpening—I want to try blogging too—right now, without delay. Because I enjoy it and this is my life after all.

Thus, I’ve decided to be more daring. No matter the outcome, I will write first for me.

I hope you’re doing what matters to you too.

-Kristin