By

Michele L. Tune

Rebecca Laffar-Smith just shared her long road to writing with us. Since I read her story, I’ve been reflecting on my own. I’ve mentioned before I need to stop pulling the reins on myself so I can go to the next level in my freelance writing business. So, why do I feel I’m still holding myself back? Why do I feel I could have already acccomplished so much more? Am I just too hard on myself? Do I expect too much of myself? Or, am I truly – without even realizing it – allowing my past to keep me from stepping into a future I desire with all my heart? Am I locking myself out of my own future?

Just as Rebecca shared that she drifted to and away from her writing dreams, my own writing has drifted to and fro throughout the years. I’ve always been a writer – even if I was just jotting down what happened on any given day in my journal, or pouring my heart onto a loose piece of paper in the form of poetry. I’m a writer. It’s who I’ve been since I was a little girl; it’s who I’ll always be.

Maybe you’re feeling the same way I am. Maybe, just maybe, you even feel like I’ve written this very post just for you. And, you might be right. (I’m a firm believer that stuff always happens for a reason.) I’m inspired to write this post, to share my heart, my fears, my struggles with you because I want anyone who comes to read this blog to know they aren’t alone.

Some things I’ve struggled with as a freelance writer and blogger are:

• maintaining a lot of confidence
• selling my writing and blogging services
• overcoming my hermit tendencies
• finding the courage to approach the publications/people that intimidate me
• overwhelming myself with too many resolutions

You might find it odd that I feel this way - or that I’d spill the beans about it for a gazillion eyes to read. I have wondered why I feel this way as I contemplate my future with words. My conclusion? It’s a lot harder than I thought it would be to move forward in life after escaping domestic violence. Bruises from the physical abuse fade in no time, but the bruises from the verbal abuse are etched deep in the heart, mind, and soul of the victim.

Off the topic of writing:

If you’re prone to saying things you don’t mean in the heat of the moment, find a way to change yourself. Your hurtful words can’t be erased. They’ll stick with that person forever. Think about that.

So, what am I doing to stop reflecting on the past so my writing can take me where I want to go?

Here’s a few things I’ve been doing:

• take risks like hitting send for a query to that high-paying market
• polishing my queries so they portray me in a positive light
• trying to find ways to come out of my hermit shell
• focusing on short-term goals (you’ll notice I didn’t share a resolutions post this year)
• unlocking the door to my destiny

I’m not sure where this writing road will take me. What I do know is that the journey will only be all it was meant to be if I’m forging ahead in confidence, and not glancing over my shoulder allowing my past to direct my footsteps…

At the end of Rebecca’s guest post, she asked us what our long road to writing was. Today I’d love to know where your writing road is going to take you. Will you travel it with your eyes on the future? Have you already been doing that? Or, like me, have you struggled with your past tugging at you all along the way? Share your writing journey in the comments!

Be sure to subscribe to Writing the Cyber Highway’s Feed or by email, so you won’t miss upcoming posts and updates. Look for news from my own writing life, as well as interviews with amazing and inspiring folks. I’ll even be sharing the links to my mom’s new website and blog!

Photo Credit:http://www.sxc.hu