I was walking through the store when this realization hit me. I can't remember if I was alone, or if I had one of my kids with me, but my mind was wandering as usual. And then the words formulated inside my head: I am a writer. I stopped my thought whirlwind and let that settle. I am a writer. Why had I not thought this before? I would always say that I write, but never that I am.
I mean, I've been blogging for 2 1/2 years as of today and writing articles--and getting them published--since shortly after that. I guess I felt like an impostor, a fake, like a little girl playing dress-up and pretending to be a writer. But, I do get paid... so that means something, right?
I haven't been taking myself seriously. I guess I believed that maybe you have to have a published book to be a writer? That brings me to my next identity hurtle--calling myself an author.
I'm near completion of my first book (details later...patience!) and looking forward to all sorts of new knowledge, feedback, and friends at LDStorymakers Conference next month. I think now is a good time to take myself seriously and call myself a writer.
So, hello, I'm Wendy and I'm a writer. *Mind. Blown.*
So, I submit, who are you? What are you reluctant to admit that you are? What's holding you back? Let go and embrace it.
© Wendy 2015
I know where you're coming from! I had the hardest time saying "I'm a photographer" when I had a photography business, and it also took me a while to admit "I'm a writer". I too was afraid of being called an impostor. It takes a sort of guts to shout it out: "I'm a writer! I'm a photographer! I'm a poetess! I *am* an ARTIST!"
ReplyDeleteIsn't that weird??? We should really stop selling ourselves short. YOU are an ARTIST! Way to go!
DeleteAs long as you realize that you are also amazing. That's all that matters. Labels don't matter; your state of mind does.
ReplyDeleteI'm working on it. ;) Labels don't matter, it's true. I just like to know that I am *doing* something--and it's good to take myself seriously sometimes. :)
DeleteWendy you are amazing! I know exactly what you mean. You are feeling more comfortable with the talent you already had. I love watching your progression. There is fear and self-doubt that creeps in when we explore new experiences. Changing our beliefs and working through that gets us to our sweet spot.Congrats :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Brianna! It's been scary and exciting for sure! xo
DeleteI love this-and you took my thoughts right out of my mind! I have been writing for FamilyShare for about 6 months, and they just hired me and I signed a contract and everything. My husband calls me his professional writer, but I still can't even call myself a writer. I feel like an imposter. Why is that?? Well, I love reading your articles and I think you're a great writer! ;)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Becky! FamilyShare is so amazing. I've been writing for them for about 2 1/2 years and love it! I don't why we do that to ourselves, but know that you are a writer! We're doing this! And it's fun and we get paid. :) Now, I'll have to go check out your stuff. :)
DeleteThat's a wonderful realization to have! Congratulations on embracing your writing self!!
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