The Writer's Path is a Warrior's Path

Baring one's soul takes courage. 


Truth is, the impending vulnerability of publishing a memoir, in the allowing of my whole self to be seen — the glitter and the grime, the light and the dark — makes me nauseous at times. To display the shadow of my psyche and behaviors is the antithesis of past years of people-pleasing. 


I can feel the wrath and judgment parts of my story will have. I sense how the story may polarize. As an empath, or from a trauma response, I developed a keen ability to sense the needs and emotions of others, to gauge reactions. In years past, I adjusted my behavior accordingly, which I would now argue is a synonym for manipulation. 


I believe the questions we ask ourselves correlate to the quality of life and the truth we experience. So, I approach the fear and wound with a bit of curiosity and wonder… is it what I feel coming, or is it a projection of lingering self-rejection? And how can I offer myself more compassion in this moment?


My story may ruffle feathers, bring readers to an edge... one that could also present them with an opportunity, the choice for more freedom. 


Amidst the inner probing, I feel the growth and healing, the valiant effort, the deeper awareness gained. I lean into the liberation that sharing my story gifts me, and hopefully, some who read it. 


My belief in its higher good, in its offering of authentic expression and unconditional acceptance, drives me forward on the storytelling battlefield. 

This entire journey to authorship has shown (and is showing) me how writing delivers grace and freedom, how words can serve as swords for harmony.

Will you too choose to be a word warrior?