Karen, I can so relate! I had a similar experience last week when trying to figure out what to write for my writing class which I was expected to read to everybody. I ended up writing about feeling stuck and the act of writing about it made me face it and work through it - a reminder of why I write. So thank you for sharing. Self-doubt is a bitch but we can be bitchier!
What a lovely journey you took us on there via your journal Karen, thank you for sharing. It’s so important to bring it all back sometimes to why isn’t it? 💫
Thank you Sarah :) It's easy to disconnect from the reason we do things, I completely agree. Sometimes it's hard to even figure that 'why' out in the first place! It took me the longest time to figure out why I write, embarrassingly. 💖
Writing is my medicine. I absolutely love that. I have only just started writing and this article sums up why I do it. New to substack it is easy to fall into self doubt when you share your own words. I'm writing for me and am finding it quite a cathartic and fun experience. Your article speaks to my self doubt and reminds me that this is for me. I really enjoyed reading this.
Thank you so much Nicola, yes for saying such lovely things but mostly for sharing your own self-doubt. I'm relatively new here, I've only been posting regularly since early January. But I found myself comparing myself, worrying because I didn't post on the same day, or didn't have an about post, or a welcome email set up.
It's turned out, none of that really mattered, not right now. It was more important to just write. Writing is the point, for me.
If you haven't already, check out Beth Kempton's stuff. She's on here, but also does a Writing Retreat. I did the Winter one and it just unlocked everything. It was magic for me. There's a Spring one coming up and I'm signed up, the Winter one was SO good.
And keep sharing! Keep writing! The writing is the point :)
That's how I found substack through Beth's winter writing but on the 3rd of Jan my house flooded so it all went a bit tits up. I'll look out for the spring one and hopefully this time I'll get some time to dedicate to it. So from one newbie to another hello! By the way when I read your piece I thought you had been writing for years.
Thanks Karen for bringing the real purpose for writing back into the spotlight. When comparison sweeps in to stop the magic this this the post to re-read.
We are all good at something. To many, the written word is anathema, to others everything, to most it can be taken or left alone. To the writer it is the biggest source of self-criticism and self-doubt that exists. The temptation to read your own words and delete is immense, the bravery to put it "out there" shows self-confidence that defies the self-doubt that you feel. To know that your words are read and respected is enough to make you write more. The circle continues, sometimes interupted, but there to be continued when that need to write occurs. Take comfort and pride in what you do so well, and thankfully share x
Thanks Paul :) I'm grateful for this little community in which I can share my writing and my self-doubts, without fear of judgement. Community has become so important to me in this space. x
By the way, I’ll be at Beth Kempton’s Spring Sanctuary too. Looking forward to seeing you there!
That's exciting! I can't wait for it! I'll see you there :)
Karen, I can so relate! I had a similar experience last week when trying to figure out what to write for my writing class which I was expected to read to everybody. I ended up writing about feeling stuck and the act of writing about it made me face it and work through it - a reminder of why I write. So thank you for sharing. Self-doubt is a bitch but we can be bitchier!
It’s amazing how that works! It brings a whole new meaning to ‘write what you know’. It’s wonderful how the act of writing can unblock so much.
It is amazing. And “write what you want to know to help you find out” works too. 😆
What a lovely journey you took us on there via your journal Karen, thank you for sharing. It’s so important to bring it all back sometimes to why isn’t it? 💫
Thank you Sarah :) It's easy to disconnect from the reason we do things, I completely agree. Sometimes it's hard to even figure that 'why' out in the first place! It took me the longest time to figure out why I write, embarrassingly. 💖
Argh you should never be embarrassed about taking your time! Sometimes we just don’t need to answer the question… until we do, and you did! 🙌✨
The answer came precisely when I was ready for it, I feel ❤️
Writing is my medicine. I absolutely love that. I have only just started writing and this article sums up why I do it. New to substack it is easy to fall into self doubt when you share your own words. I'm writing for me and am finding it quite a cathartic and fun experience. Your article speaks to my self doubt and reminds me that this is for me. I really enjoyed reading this.
Thank you so much Nicola, yes for saying such lovely things but mostly for sharing your own self-doubt. I'm relatively new here, I've only been posting regularly since early January. But I found myself comparing myself, worrying because I didn't post on the same day, or didn't have an about post, or a welcome email set up.
It's turned out, none of that really mattered, not right now. It was more important to just write. Writing is the point, for me.
If you haven't already, check out Beth Kempton's stuff. She's on here, but also does a Writing Retreat. I did the Winter one and it just unlocked everything. It was magic for me. There's a Spring one coming up and I'm signed up, the Winter one was SO good.
And keep sharing! Keep writing! The writing is the point :)
That's how I found substack through Beth's winter writing but on the 3rd of Jan my house flooded so it all went a bit tits up. I'll look out for the spring one and hopefully this time I'll get some time to dedicate to it. So from one newbie to another hello! By the way when I read your piece I thought you had been writing for years.
Thanks Karen for bringing the real purpose for writing back into the spotlight. When comparison sweeps in to stop the magic this this the post to re-read.
Wow thank you Stephanie! That warmed my heart so much!
We are all good at something. To many, the written word is anathema, to others everything, to most it can be taken or left alone. To the writer it is the biggest source of self-criticism and self-doubt that exists. The temptation to read your own words and delete is immense, the bravery to put it "out there" shows self-confidence that defies the self-doubt that you feel. To know that your words are read and respected is enough to make you write more. The circle continues, sometimes interupted, but there to be continued when that need to write occurs. Take comfort and pride in what you do so well, and thankfully share x
Thanks Paul :) I'm grateful for this little community in which I can share my writing and my self-doubts, without fear of judgement. Community has become so important to me in this space. x