I have always wanted to be a writer, but I didn’t believe in myself.
I’m sure the seed was planted as an elementary school student when I struggled with spelling. I remember missing recess to write out all the words I spelled wrong ten times each. I certainly did not see myself as a wordsmith until eighth grade. I wrote a short story, “Bio-Dome,” about an experimental world built under a plastic dome to be self-sustaining. This was 1987. I didn’t know it would be a popular storyline in the 2000s. Anyway, my teacher wrote all over that paper saying she was intrigued and wanted to see the rest of the story with an excellent big A+. Then in high school, I wanted to be part of the school newspaper, and I was turned down. It’s the usual ebb and flow of life that we often take too hard. I went back to not being a non-believer in my writing and carried on.
Small things kept nudging me, and I did write from time to time. Marketing pieces for apartment brochures. Little articles in local newsletters. Even a letter that ended up winning me a free wedding from The Live With Regis Show! I know I have promised you all more on that – and it’s coming.
Next, I started to write a blog based on positive step-parenting. I gained an audience on Facebook of over 10,000, and at the time, that was a lot in the early social media days. I even self-published a picture book on what to call a stepmom. Lastly, I won a contest and a free Surface for National Geographic Kids and started to write blog posts for them. I was getting in the groove, but life got too busy. I gave up my passion for helping with family, which also was important to me. Not to mention I wasn’t “really” a writer.
What is something that nudges you to do that you don’t believe?
I felt the nudge to write again when I realized my everyday life was an adventure that certainly was not average. I purchased the web name Juggling Daisies, which was intended to be my anonymous blog. I started writing a few articles, and once again, lift shifted, and we bought the farm. It didn’t take long to figure out it was meant to be the farm’s name, and an entirely new adventure began.
I have some self-doubt to work through as I continue down my path. Maybe a little imposter syndrome. Yet it seems that using words and sharing my collected stories with you is part of my intended journey. I am grateful to you for reading this.
I am sharing because I think it is easy to ignore some of the true talents that are within us. We don’t believe in them. What do I fear about writing enough not to give it my all? Is it that I fear being successful at it, or is it that I don’t believe in myself enough? I don’t try because I feel I may fall. You know what – I will fall, but I also know that I will get back up again. I have proven that in so many other areas of my life. Now that same strength is going to be applied to this.
My fear and anxiety had best get used to riding shotgun because if I never try, I will have already failed. I’m done living a fear-filled life. I am using my inner strength to push forward. Through the doubt. Past the rejection letters. Past the friends or family that may raise an eyebrow. I am going to start living for myself. I love words and stringing them together. I am a writer. So I hope you are a reader…
Do you have something others have told you that you are good at yet don’t believe it to be true? Let’s share about that in the comments.
~ Amy
Amy King
I fill in wherever needed. Flexible, light-hearted, and hardworking have served me well within this organization. I like to tackle life head-on. I share tricks that work for me along the way, including cleaning your dishwasher filter or how to stay positive in such a hostile world. I reveal my passion for cooking, cleaning, laundry, and living. I love to journal and document my adventures with my team, so I am glad you are here to enjoy our stories. Know that life can be challenging; I see you and am here to support you. I love to encourage others to become a better version of themself every day.
Comments
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Spring Thompson
Photography is something I’ve loved since I was a little girl. My secret passion was to travel the world taking photos for Nat Geo. I realized that was a tough thing to get into & never went after it. I simply gave up learning. Now in my 40’s I wish I hadn’t. I’ve actually taken photos for 3 weddings. I want to take landscape photography so they were just for fun. A photographer said I have really good potential & need to keep at it but fear of failing & time are never a friend of mine; not to mention money because equipment & classes are costly. I don’t pick up my expensive camera enough to remember how to use it so I get down on myself. I keep telling myself retirement that’s when I’ll learn it but I know I need to take advantage of my time now! One day I’ll commit & tell fear where to go.
Kelly Lopez
Amy, what I love about this is that it is so relatable! Having a talent that someone recognizes in you is so validating and it sparks something wonderful! But if we don’t keep that spark going it’s easy to move on and forget about it! I feel like I have been so engulfed in being a mom that I forget what I enjoy, let alone what I am good at! Tune for some soul searching!