And as we let our own light shine,
we consciously give other people permission to do the same.
~Nelson Mandela
Often I hear I want to write a book. Or someone will say people always tell me I need to write a book because of this experience or tragedy or trauma. I listen and nod with familiarity as I felt that desire, too.
But wanting to do something and the reality of really doing it are two very different things. Writing a book takes passion about a subject of interest and expertise.
Writing takes patience and thick skin. Naysayers will pop up from nowhere and everywhere. People will love your work while others that won’t. There will be obstacles along the way, as it’s part of the process.
Anything worthwhile in life will have challenges you’ll need to power through.
So you want to be a writer and you don’t know where to begin. I get that. You don’t know where to start. You’re not alone. I didn’t know where to begin, either. I only knew in my soul that I had to write. It was like breath for me without it I’d not survive.
People often ask me questions like, “Why do you write?” “Why do you write about obsessions?” or “Why are all your blogs and books sprinkled with spiritual thoughts?” and “Where do you find the time to write?”
Questions such as these made me ask myself the same questions because I work a full-time job as a clinical psychotherapist/addiction psychologist and I have a family and other interests tugging for my attention.
So, why do I write? It would be so much simpler to just hang out, watch television, and play games on my phone. But then, would hanging around not tapping into the creative self be simpler? I think not.
I write because writers write. There would be a gapping hole in my life if I didn’t put words on the page. Since thirteen years old, I journaled my thoughts and still do till this day.
Since a teen, I wrote about feelings, food obsessions, low self-esteem, struggles to fit in—all in my journal. I knew no other way to get my thoughts out. I was alone most of the time, with little guidance.
So, that’s why I write, I have to….
Just Write!
But then, what about writing on obsessive behavior? Well, because I began obsessing over candies and food and body weight and not fitting in so long ago.
Obsessions gripped me from the core of my being. I didn’t have other thoughts. I was constantly worried about gaining weight or losing weight, being liked or not being liked. Fear, worry and anxiety were my constant companions.
Obsessions about fitting in and looking like others looked, you know the comparison-itis was a constant companion. I felt awkward and riddled with shyness. So I studied these areas to understand who I am and why I did what I did and do what I do.
I often prayed quietly or talked to the God of my understanding to fill my gaps and not feel so alone. Long rides out in the woods with Pasha, my white Arabian horse filled my spaces. I found feeding my spiritual hunger through nature calmed my insecurities.
And then I went into the field of psychology and studied these very areas that tortured my soul. And learned the what’s and why’s and solutions to what I struggled with.
I turned my passion or I should say obsession into expressions of great interest that soon made their way to writing five—soon to be six books on obsessive behavior.
And so, I wrote from the soul in areas I know. I turned my passion for answers into writing in areas of interest.
Soon I learned I wasn’t alone. Many people have the same struggles.
So, should we write what we know? Yes. Should we write about what we are passionate about? Yes.
For sure, writing is hard work, and becoming recognized as a writer is even harder. So if you are thinking about becoming a writer, write what you know. And write where your passions lie. And write from personal experiences. Combine all three and it makes for writing from the soul.
Don’t write something you know little about because that won’t light your soul and for sure will feel like hard menial or, worse, dull work. Write what speaks to your soul and what you know.
Specialize in your own area of interest. Learn everything you can about the subject. And if it’s an area you struggle with, make sure you master it so that you are giving directions and solutions.
Every single book I write, whether it’s on food addiction, head chatter, traveling and eating healthy or money obsessions and even aging gracefully, I mastered it first before passing my thoughts on to the reader.
The pimpled faced, insecure, lost kid was my springboard to becoming who I am today. Without our experiences and spiritual growth, we can’t pass the road map to others.
So, if you are thinking about becoming a writer, then write what you know, write your passionate about and most important, specialize in that area so you know the subject from the inside out.
If you have a dream to write, my advice to you is to start writing, then fill in the gaps with education, readings, research, experience and you are well on your way.
Do you want to write a book? What stops you from writing your story? Are you afraid to share your words with others? Your answers are someone’s questions. Please share your thoughts in the comments area below.
Thank you for spending time with me and my thoughts throughout these pages. I hope my words lit your excitement to become your best self for you. I look forward to sharing my next book with you on how to release your obsession with your PHONE. God bless you… and your journey through this life and all that awaits beyond…
Thank you for being a part of the reading blog forum of this blog. If you have something you’d like to say, I’d love to hear it. YOU are important and your words need to be heard. I’m here for you.
To learn more on recovery from food addiction, eating disorders, weight issues, dieting, aging, and now money, please check out my Release Your Obsession Series.
Stay tuned…you never know where my mind will wander…
Hugs to you, I care!And now my newest release:
Release Your Obsession with MONEY: Heal from the Inside Out
Wonderful thoughts and advise. I find reading all of your post brings a calmness to my feelings that literally have me feeling hopeless and calm my soul. My loneliness is my worst enemy besides myself affections.
I’m so glad my words can help. Loneliness is no fun, I’ve been there myself a time or two. Stay connected, love hearing from you!!!