The last 24-hours have been transformative. ROW #2 has come to an end after our last retreat yesterday afternoon/evening and it was an emotional time for us all. There were tears, laughter, gratitude, joy, sadness and so many other emotions that were expressed so openly. I have never been in a group where I felt so vulnerable yet completely safe in my vulnerability. These writers, my friends, were so eloquent and expressive that in the beginning, I felt like an intruder that shouldn’t be there, yet they welcomed me with open hearts. They encouraged me and praised my writing. That was a huge thing because of the fact that these people who are writing such amazing things said that I was also a good writer. I’ve had periods during my writing life where I would think that I had talent but there many more times when I thought that I was a terrible writer or just not a good enough writer. I had so much self-doubt that it would shut my writing down for years at a time. And when I had days where I’d try to write and it just wouldn’t happen or I would write something only to declare it awful, that was all the proof that I needed that I wasn’t any good. But over the last few months of ROW, I seemingly came into my own and yesterday sealed the deal. I know that I’m still “high” from ROW and that I will slowly come down from it but I will never doubt my ability as a writer ever again. That is sealed in my mind and heart. I wish that I could give every single writer this feeling…a contact high of sorts. I wish that I could erase all of the doubts you have about your writing ability. Every single writer deserves to believe in themselves. They deserve people in their lives that will praise them for what they are producing and someone to be a sounding board when they are unsure of their writing. I’d love to be able to just wave my magic wand and make this magically happen but I can’t. This is why all writers deserve and need a tribe. Sometimes we need a little help to make that “believing in ourselves and our work” happen. Reach out to other writers and start forming your tribe because I can tell you from my own experience that it is awesome to find others like yourself and have their support. Go online…there are so many groups that are full of people like us. Check for writing groups in your area. Take a creative writing class…in a classroom or online. There is more than 1 way to find your tribe in order to get the support that you need. It worked wonders for me and I know it will for you as well.
Inspired Writer 