today i learned something about the importance of authenticity. of being true to myself. the importance of keeping to my voice. even if it's with out capitals, even if it's in sentence fragments, or contains made up words. because at 40, i am comfortable in my own skin. and i'm very uncomfortable wearing someone elses.
i was working on an article. an article about me, and my life over here in africa. and it was short and i was trying to fit all the necessary pieces in, but mostly i lost myself in trying to write for an audience or several audiences. i was so worried about being clear, and full sentenced, and giving all the context and information, that i lacked all the passion, and the poetry and the mystery. i was also anxious, slow, and bored. i had to stop, and write here last night for a break.
i know there are many writers who can do it- all of it- and maintain their voice and their passion.
but i can't.
then a wise old soul, who happens to be my sister, said eloquently and supportively- just write what's inside you like you always do. trust yourself.
so i did.
but i couldn't write it as a "word document". instead i came here. i closed my eyes and pretended i was writing here, in my safe place, where i bring my voice almost daily. and in a couple of enjoyable hours i sighed and smiled, and cut and pasted it into "word".
there it was, my little story in my own voice.
so thank you for being so gentle and welcoming.
i was working on an article. an article about me, and my life over here in africa. and it was short and i was trying to fit all the necessary pieces in, but mostly i lost myself in trying to write for an audience or several audiences. i was so worried about being clear, and full sentenced, and giving all the context and information, that i lacked all the passion, and the poetry and the mystery. i was also anxious, slow, and bored. i had to stop, and write here last night for a break.
i know there are many writers who can do it- all of it- and maintain their voice and their passion.
but i can't.
then a wise old soul, who happens to be my sister, said eloquently and supportively- just write what's inside you like you always do. trust yourself.
so i did.
but i couldn't write it as a "word document". instead i came here. i closed my eyes and pretended i was writing here, in my safe place, where i bring my voice almost daily. and in a couple of enjoyable hours i sighed and smiled, and cut and pasted it into "word".
there it was, my little story in my own voice.
so thank you for being so gentle and welcoming.
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