Just a quick break from the book to share a blog post written about four years ago, a reflection of growth and hope. Fast forward to today. I stayed the course.
More Than A Mom, More Than A Writer
January 2012
Recently, a friend used a post of mine as the foundation of a task she was completing as a book club exercise. I’m honored. And surprised. Surprised by her warmth and acceptance of not only me but also me-the-writer.
Sometimes I forget that I’m more than a mom.
With my friend’s insight, I learned a little more about me-the-writer. It reminded me that I could write in my candid and often dry-humored style and still provide thought-provoking words at the same time. I don’t have to choose. I can just be me-the-writer.
When I write, my mind is full of words and phrases and meanings and, well, it’s untamed in there when I’m in my zone. Call me crazy, but I don’t have a formal process. When I’m able to grab hold of a solid block of time, I just open a blank page and allow the words to flow.
This is when I remember that I’m more than a mom.
My friend asked if I had just one piece of advice to give other bloggers and writers, what it might be. I rarely give advice, but I gave her this one, because I believe it passionately.
Be true to yourself. Allow the uniqueness of you to shine when you write.
It’s difficult to trust yourself enough to write as you are. But when you discover belief in your writing, you find a new source of absolute freedom.
I’m reminded again that I’m more than a mom.
I’m at a point in my life where more often than not I find writing is about being a mom. If you’ve read some of my other posts, you know I write about my kids a lot. It’s not because I don’t have other material, because dozens of stories waiting to be told dance in my head. It’s because my children truly inspire me to write.
Proudly, I never forget that I’m more than a writer.
For as long as I can remember, two words have floated together in my thoughts, as if stuck together with glue. Writing and legacy. Me-the-mom has it figured out. Me-the-writer has yet to organize the two to create one. I’m confident it’s only a matter of time, if I stay the course. I’m sure my writing will one day shine, thanks in part to the encouragement of special people like my dear friend, Jennifer.