Fear

Writing is a daily dance with fear. Whenever I sit in my chair and begin the push to put words to paper (or fingers to keys)  I wrestle with the snarky voice of self-doubt and a  nagging whisper declaring epic failure over my efforts to tell story and verse.   

Writing is doing the work needed to press submit,  flinging words into the universe with a prayer on lips which silently move when no one else sees and a heart asking for the opportunity to change the world with my random collection of letters, passion, and hope.    

•  Four years ago my heart struggled with fear and angst as I considered investing hard-earned dollars into the idea and the promise of hope for growth in my writing. I had a writing dream, held deep in my heart far more years than I could count. I  had a love of words both written and spoken. Belonging to several local writing groups, I participated in writers conferences and had several pieces published, but still struggled to value my work as a writer.  I was afraid.
• Four years ago I was not courageous enough to admit to myself or anyone else that I was a writer.  I had a blog and an eclectic collection of notebooks, journals, and papers composed of random thoughts which made little to sense to anyone but myself.  I was afraid.
• Four years ago I entered a writing community founded by Jeff Goins and discovered a treasure of like-minded wordsmiths where I received encouragement, honesty and authentic friendships beyond my wildest hopes. I was supported, surrounded and encouraged to learn, grow and all-out embrace the crazy thought- I am a writer!
•  Four years ago I began to see myself as a writer. My perspective has changed and (happy dance- arms waving wildly in the air)   I am no longer alone!  

Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed.

 Ecclesiastes 4:9  New Living Translation

In the past 1460 days, I have stepped out, stumbled forward, taken chances and embraced the joy of celebration in the success of others. I have met writers around the globe, created friendships on different continents and wrapped arms around others as they sojourn their own path as writers. Together we have experienced powerful generosity as we have shared and given one to another through our writing and we are not alone.

I still write afraid.  

It seems most creatives do. 

This may never change.

“Henry Fonda was still throwing up before each stage performance, even when he was seventy-five. In other words, fear doesn’t go away. The warrior and the artist live by the same code of necessity, which dictates that the battle must be fought anew every day.”

-Steven Pressfield, The War of Art

I choose to be alright with being afraid. Perhaps entertianing a healthy fear makes us more resilient, but I am no longer alone. For this, I am filled with gratitude.

• Who travels with you on your creative journey? 
• Do you need a community of like-minded people? 
• What steps would you need to take to find “your people?”

If there is a gap in your world which longs to be filled with others to travel with you – today is the day to begin. 

Look. Ask. Do. Begin.

Let me know what steps you have taken to create community. 

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