When I started sharing my life through this blog a year and a half ago, I never imagined the gamut of emotions it would evoke. Writing is an incredibly therapeutic release on so many levels, but sharing those words has brought about a great deal of fear in my life.
I’m already a pretty fearful, high anxiety kind of woman. This new found fear of others reading my testimony should really not surprise me. I knew when I started this, I was going all in, sharing every gory detail of my struggles in order to help others.
As a blogger, this is a continuous journey. Sometimes I wonder if it would have been easier to write a book sharing my past issues, those many addictions I overcame. I could write about all of the successes, leaving out my current failures, and still hopefully help many hurting and lost souls.
This is not the path God has put me on. A book of my past is most definitely on my to-do list, but it’s not my main goal. I truly believe God wants me to share my current struggles, the day to day issues I have yet to beat, including that annoying, embarrassing food addiction I speak of so often.
This is where blogging comes in. As bloggers, we tell our stories, not leaving anything out. We don’t have book editors to finesse our words. It’s just us typing away on our little laptops and hitting the publish button whenever we feel we’ve said enough.
This can be so hard…
When I sit down to tell you something, I break all of the great advice I’ve heard from authors I love and trust. I never wait a day to reread it before I present it to you. I certainly don’t edit, edit, and edit some more.
Honestly, if I followed this advice, you would never read any of my story. When I stare at my words for too long, my inner critic refuses to let me submit anything to you. So I spend several hours typing away straight from my heart, try to create a couple of pretty pictures to include, and send my work out into the big, scary internet.
The waiting period after a post is sent to you is the absolute hardest part of the whole process. My biggest goal is to reach someone who really needed to hear what I have to say that particular day, for them to hear a loud, but loving, Me too.
My husband always knows when I have just published something because I go into a bit of a crazy, needy mode. I think many people breathe a sigh of relief at that point in their creative process. Not me…
I immediately stress about what happens next. Will anyone read it? Could part of my testimony possibly help someone else? Is all of this incredibly hard work and time away from my family worth it?
Then something beautiful always happens. Someone else says, Me too. That need for belonging is satisfied. I receive a comment, email, or message on social media saying, Thank you. I needed this today. That makes it all worth it.
I want to thank every one of you for supporting me on this new journey into writing and telling my story. I’m so in love with the growing community that surrounds me today. You have welcomed me with open arms, even with all of my past and current flaws. For this, I am forever grateful.
If you are feeling the need to tell your story, do it. Don’t hold back. Feel the fear, and write anyway. Someone out there needs to hear it.
There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.
~Maya Angelou
I will take my blogging fears over that incredibly great agony any day. You too?
{I want to thank my sweet friend and fellow blogger Linda of Creekside Ministries for blessing me with a much needed complimentary coaching call. She inspired me to share these fears, which, as writing always does, has helped me to start releasing them. If you are looking for blog coaching or just general encouragement, check her out!}
I am thankful you are writing. Allowing God to use your words despite your fears are a blessing to so many. Thankful to be able to follow along your journey.
Thanks so much for your encouragement, Barbie! I’m glad to be on this blogging journey with inspiring writers like you.
I love those Angelou and Hemingway quotes! I know those fears after hitting publish! Thankfully there is usually someone who speaks up within the first day who resonates with what’s been written. We bloggers need to be connected…I sometimes forget that. Our followers and readers are really our supporters. Happy to be a supporter of yours!
They are fantastic and incredibly true quotes! I completely agree about the importance of connecting with other bloggers, Amy. I still remember the first time I came to your blog and saw you were a fellow past rebel :). I was so excited and started following you immediately. Telling our stories is important to show those still living that lifestyle a better way. Thanks for your support!
I love everything about this Candace—the quotes ( shared Hemingway on my fb page…I have not heard that one in eons ), the honesty…so true…it’s an evolving story, our lives, shared on our own laptops, no one to shield, streamline, advise….really good stuff.
I do know of one blogger who keeps a journal for super personal stuff and shares the rest on her blog….maybe more do…that’s a good idea. So there ‘s a line between what’s worthy or being viewed by all and what’s keep to ourselves. I’ve yet to do that! Tho I really don’t share very personal thoughts on my blog….yes, sometimes, but really they’re pretty surface musings….
Thanks my friend..xoxoxoxo
“See” you soon!
I love that idea of journaling certain topics privately, Chris! I think I’ll have to start that. It would be a great way to release some of the past experiences and then decide if I want to share them here.
Thanks for sharing me on FB :). That quote really resonates with me. It’s really one of my favorites on the topic of writing. Always great to see you, my friend!
Oh Candace!!! You are such a beautiful soul with so much to give to so many who are in need of your very words, your story, your heart!!! I love this post so much… it exposes the true and genuine ‘human-ness’ of you, which once again deeply touches and resonates with another reader- ME! And I’m sure countless others…
I’m so glad you blog daily, stretching yourself to dare to be real with your struggles and your victories in this precious place. You are a beacon of His Light, my dear friend! And I’m guessing you are exactly where you need to be, daring to reach into those places and shine light on them with your words- for all to see.
Thank you for your incredibly sweet encouragement, Chris! I definitely expose the “human-ness” of me often. Honesty and vulnerability are pretty much my mission statement :). I’m so grateful to have you on this journey with me!
I love real. Thanks for being real Candace. I am enjoying your beautiful blog!
I love real too, Allie! I think so many bloggers show their prettiest parts only. I completely understand why, but I know that I’m called to share all of the ugly too :). Thanks for being here with me!
Chris Carter tweeted this post, and I am so glad she did! I will definitely be reading your blog now, I love people that write real. Keep sharing, someone out there does need to hear it!
Thank you, Christina! I look forward to connecting more with you as we follow along with each other’s blogs. It’s so wonderful to meet you today, my new friend!
Wow, Candace! Could this be your best post ever?
You’re gonna get alot of ‘me, too’ on this one. Promise.
Just . So . Good .
;-}
Thank you for inspiring me to share this, Linda! I hope you are having a wonderful break. You have been missed, my friend :). I look forward to hearing all about your peaceful time away!
I think a book would be a wonderful idea! I hope that is in the works someday soon. There are so many fabulous self publishing and ebook options available to do so. I am glad you share your story. It is a powerful, courageous and true example of the power of Christ to change our minds, hearts and lives. You are amazing!
It will definitely be in the works someday, Jen! There really are so many amazing self publishing options today. Thanks for your always sweet support and encouragement!
Me, too! Thank you so much for being so honest, Candace. I love how you tell your story in spite of your fear. Being vulnerable is so very hard, isn’t it? I love the quotes, too. Looking forward to your continuing story.
I feel like those 2 words come to my mind every time I visit your blog, Trudy: Me too! I’m so blessed to have you on this journey with me. Thank you!
Oh sweet friend my #raralinkup tweet was sent before I even read this post. It said “For the courage to move forward when hard pressed on every side”. Indeed fear can press us hard on every side and I salute you for moving THROUGH the fear. Even when we pray, the fears can still stare us in the face yet you’re strong and of good courage. Mmm Mmm Mmm so proud of you friend.
What perfect words, Tyra! Thank you so much, my friend. I need to start sending those sweet support tweets out on Mondays. You so deserve more cheers from me. I’m so glad we have connected and are doing this journey together!
So much of what you wrote speaks to me.. I can completely relate! I think blogging is so healthy and yet sometimes, it can be anxiety provoking when you put your heart out with your thoughts.. it takes a strong person to blog so fearlessly! I’m so glad I found your page, I think you are a fantastic blogger and I am happy to know you in the virtual world! *hugs* – http://www.domesticgeekgirl.com
I’m so glad to be connected with you too, Gingi! Anxiety is a word that comes up often for me in my blogging tasks. It is hard work but so worth it. Thanks for your sweet encouragement!
Candace, ME TOO! You’ve captured the world of a blogger so perfectly. We are an interesting bunch, aren’t we? And at the root of our desire to help others by sharing our struggles is that calling placed within us. I love your quotes, too. I’m going to share them today with my English students. Thank you!
We are an interesting bunch, Kristine :)! There are no truer words. I’m glad you were able to share the quotes with your students. They are 2 of my absolute favorites on the subject of writing.
I never imagined blogging would be like this when I started. Pouring out my heart and my life story for all the world to read. Could never have imagined being so vulnerable. Yet, it keeps filling me up and I can’t stop writing and hitting that ‘publish’ button. Yes, that waiting to see if your words speak to anyone or fall flat is definitely one of the hardest parts. But, keep going! you have wonderful words to share and a story that is meant to make an impact.
I could have never imagined what this would be like either, Kathryn! I just set it up one day and started writing. I’m still in shock about the time and effort that goes into it. As you said, “it keeps filling me up” which definitely helps us all soldier on :).
Oh, yes – the time! I work full-time, so have to squeeze writing into any little pockets of time I can find. I get up at 4am to write and have a little time before the kids get up at 6. Amazing, though, how I’ve grown so used to this schedule and actually look forward to that 4am alarm. Most days I’m already awake before the alarm goes off, excited to sit down and write. 🙂
Wow! That is impressive, Kathryn. I’m trying to get up earlier lately to participate in a Hello Mornings bible study. I definitely don’t look forward to my 5:30 am alarm yet! I truly hope to get there :).
Hi Candace,
Oh boy, how well can I relate to this post! I’m new to blogging and especially new to the Christian writers blogging community, It took me a minute to get up and running b/c of my fears. I often joke about my overthinking – the paralysis of analysis – which has talked me out a quite a few activities. So I know all too well, ME TOO, Candace, me too! Like you I’m learning to feel the fear and move forward anyway. Your transparency and encouragement is awesome, thank you I truly appreciate you sharing your story!
Sybil Street @
http://www.sybilstreet.com/blog
Welcome to this beautiful community, Sybil! I’m an overthinker as well :). I can completely relate! As time goes on, you will loosen up some, but I think there are certain issues that remain. Keep moving forward! So glad to meet you.
Beautifully written, Candace. I relate to your not doing the “edit, edit, edit.” I fall into this trap. Also, your desire for your writing to be meaningful–and worth the time away from your family. Both, very real concerns of mine. *hugs*
Thank you, Dianne! I have a love/hate relationship with editing, so I really minimize it. I should probably do more but like I said, I would never hit publish :). My family is one of my biggest concerns. I’ve been a stay at home mom throughout most of my kids lives. This is the first thing that really consumes a great deal of my time. I’m really trying to work on having set “office hours,” but I’m not too successful with that yet.
This is so great! You go girl, there are so many of us that know where you are coming from… me too 🙂 Thank you for being honest about your blogging journey and know that what you are doing is blessing so many <3
Stopping in from RaRa Linkup…so glad I did!!
Rachel
I’m so glad you stopped by too, Rachel :)! Honesty can be a beautiful, yet incredibly difficult thing. We really have to do it fully to truly help others. Thanks so much for your sweet comment!
Candace, wonderful post. Blogging has been the hardest thing I have ever done. Not only in writing the posts but also in leaving comments for others. You have blessed me & encouraged me in sharing about your own journey & feelings. Thank you!
Me too, Joanne! The absolute hardest. It is so much more than just writing. Building community requires us to visit, comment, and encourage others. That can be time consuming and emotionally draining, but well worth the extra work. I can completely relate!
I struggle to hit “Publish” every week, because I’m scared of what people will think. I do edit, edit, edit though. If you don’t, then you have a natural ability to WRITE! It’s wonderful! I’m glad that you won’t stop. What you’re doing is important.
Thanks for writing this. Me too. 😉
Thanks so much, Dana! We definitely worry too much about what people think. I try to tell myself it doesn’t matter, but people pleasing is a hard habit to break. Just keep hitting that Publish button :)!
I am visiting for the first time from the #RaRaLinkup but I am sure I will be back. The fears and neediness you write about describe me in detail. Thanks for being so open so that Ican now say….ME TOO!!
It’s so great to meet you, Amy! I definitely hope to see you back. It’s hard to overcome those fears and the neediness they lead to. I think the best way to beat it is to just keep writing and sharing. It’s bound to continue to get easier for us :)!
I love this and I am so glad that you have decided to write and be so open. It does encourage this heart of mine to read your words. Keep on blogging because you bless so many! 🙂
I’m thankful to be on this journey with you, Ruth! You are a blessing as well, my friend!
Hey Candace! Great words. I am right there with you girl. We toil and toil to get just the right words and we have no idea if what we put out is even going to matter. No editors, no holds bar! ha. I cheer your insight; I think so many of us are on exactly the same page. Cheering you on from the #RaRalinkup on Purposeful Faith.
Toil is a great word for it, Kelly! I must admit, it would be pretty cool to have my own personal editor :). I can honestly tell you that your words matter. Thanks for the linkup! It’s always a great party.
Where do I begin? Your heart is displayed on this page and it is a beautiful thing. I also realize that every time I stop by your words sound so familiar. We share a lot in common and I always feel like I am at home when I stop by.
As for Linda@Creekside – oh my! She inspires and motivates me to be a better writer. YOU my friend are courageous and beautiful!
We are so similar, Mary! It’s one of the many things I love about you :). I’m so looking forward to finally meeting in person.
Linda is fantastic. I actually found her when you introduced her on your blog. So I guess I should thank you for this post too!
Here it is. Are you ready? “Me Too”. Thank you for opening your heard and sharing what I feel but could not put in words.
Thank you for the Me Too, Jenny! This is definitely a common theme for us bloggers. I’m so glad to see I’m not alone, but I wish we didn’t have to feel that unnecessary stress :).
Oh, my, I love that Hemingway quote! Lots to think about in this post. Thanks for preaching to the choir! Glad to have met you at Tell His Story!
It’s such a powerful quote, Michele. There is so much truth in his words. Thanks for coming by :).
Candace, I can so relate to the not being able to wait. I too write, then go back and read, edit a bit and then schedule for publication. I don’t wait much and I don’t edit edit edit. Yes, I edit, but not a LOT, not like if I were submitting an article or a book proposal. Which is kind of weird when you think about it. If you submit an article for consideration of publication, only one or a few people will read it. But a blog? Who knows how many people are reading it! But that’s the whole purpose of a blog…to write your thoughts and feelings. I think you’re doing great! Keep going!!! Oh, and I too struggle with food addiction. I never thought I did in the past, but I’ve started putting on more weight and am recognizing the gluttony and the sugar cravings…I’m going to read some of your past posts. Your neighbor at Coffee For Your Heart.
Food is the one addiction I just can’t seem to kick, Mary. It’s a tough one. I’m doing a series right now called Turning To Food that has monthly updates with different programs and tips I’m trying at the moment. I hope you found some encouragement in some of those posts. So glad you came by from Holley’s!
Candace, I hung on every word as those are the words I have spoken and feel deep in my soul. I relate to every word, and encourage you to continue writing those words and sharing them before the doubt and inner critic set in. I am the exact same way. I’ve been blessed by you today!
I’m so glad you feel blessed here today, Abby! That’s the whole reason I share these personal moments and struggles, to help others. Thanks for the encouragement :)!
“I think many people breathe a sigh of relief at that point in their creative process. Not me…”
Not me, either. So not me. So many emotions come after that publish button is pressed.
Thank you for sharing your story with us, Candace. Loved this so much.
And I just adore Linda. We’ve had a couple counseling sessions and she’s pretty awesome!!
Blessings.
You are so right about the many emotions that come up at that moment, my friend! It never ceases to amaze me. Thanks for the support, Beth. I agree about Linda. She is truly awesome. I will definitely be having another one of those sessions with her someday.
Me, too. I hope you hear lots and lots of those! I appreciate you sharing your fears because I relate to them as well. Blogging has been wonderful to me, but it’s also been terrifying at times. It’s all been worth it so far though! I love Linda–she has blessed me in many ways too. Glad she was able to encourage you to keep stepping out.
I’m loving all of the Me Toos, Lisa! Although I hate that others feel this strain also, I feel comforted in knowing I’m not alone. I completely agree with you about it all being worth it though. Linda is such a giving soul, a true blessing!
Candace,
This post spoke to me on so many levels. As a blogger, of course, and in many ways I resonate with all you have said. I sometimes hit publish way too soon, but the perfectionist in me goes back to re-read, edit and change things more often than I like.
My biggest hurdle right now is finding time to write. My computer seems to be hijacked by the teenagers I live with and until recently the opportunity to get another one …just for me was not possible. Even now, I wonder should I spend money on that or other things.
I love the community that grows, but I have also found that unless I put the effort in, the community does not stay. I can write a post, get some responses and connect a bit, but if I don’t link up or work at reaching out to others it is minimal.
Then that one comment comes in, that piece of encouragement that reminds me someone is connecting and, like you, I am encouraged.
Praying you will continue to see the way He is working through you to touch others through your words.
Blessings,
Dawn
I know exactly what you are saying about the work we must do to keep our community, Dawn. I spend a great deal of time visiting others and reaching out. It is so important and well worth the effort! I know how much I’m encouraged by others and I want to give that back. Blessings to you! Thank you for your sweet prayers.
It’s so wonderful that you can share and hear the “Me Too”. You are bold to share your struggles. What wonderful encouragement you have to share!
Thank you, Emily! Sharing these struggles can be so therapeutic for me. I’m so thankful they can help others as well.
Candace, I’ve only been blogging for about a half a year, but I’ve been sensing the need to do more of what you say: not hold back, feel the fear and write it anyway. My story isn’t that dramatic, but there are bits of it that are uncomfortable for me to write about. I finally decided that life’s too short not to write the things that truly matter, no matter how it makes me feel! Thank you for this peek into your writing process … I’m glad you’ve chosen to follow your heart and not worry about all that writing advice! Stopping by from Coffee for Your Heart …
The more you open up and share, the easier it gets, Lois! Obviously I still have a lot of issues :), but time has helped a great deal with opening up my true heart here on my blog. If you are feeling uncomfortable about writing something, I’m guessing you definitely need to do it. I know that sounds odd, but some of my most uncomfortable topics have been the ones that reached out to people the most.
Oh, yup – it certainly isn’t easy laying yourself bare, is it? I know these same fears and anyone who says bleeding on the page is easy, is lying. You cycle through various phases of fear and validation and then, as you said, you hear from the folks who receive the words and that just reaffirms the call. God called me to “one” from the very start – if one heart was met with my words, then I did what I was supposed to. When I get caught up in the “likes” and “follows” and “shares”, I remember that call – it was always for that one – from my One. Blessings to you, Candace – love your words!
It is definitely not easy, Tiffany! I so agree with you about trying to reach one heart which will certainly make it all worth it. It’s far too easy to get caught up in the likes, etc. Sometimes I just want to drop all of my social media accounts, but I know it’s an important avenue to reaching those who would not otherwise hear about God. Blessings to you as well!
“Me too” is such a powerful response. And your words here? They’re brave and real and encourage well. I’m glad we’ve connected, thanks to blogging. Keep writing, friend! xoxo
I’m so glad we have connected too, Kristin! It’s great to be on this crazy blogging journey with you, my friend :). Thanks for the encouragement!
Hey Candace, I love reading your story. You are always very honest and open about where you have been in the past and your current struggles (I really relate to your food struggles). You have such an awesome testimony.
You are definitely one of my fellow journeyers I’m thankful for, Sonya. We are going to beat these food issues together :)!
Beautiful. I love your process. Sometimes when we edit we DO begin to question ourselves and that doubt can take away from the message God wants us to share.
Thanks so much for sharing and for linking up to the #SHINEbloghop.
Wishing you a lovely day.
xoxo
Doubt really can change the whole message. That’s a great point, Jennifer! Have a wonderful weekend :).
Oh I love this Candace! So, so true! I too stress about people reading my posts and how many comments I’ll get. Will they not like it? Am I being off-putting? But our blog is our blog, and we are writing from our hearts what is important to us.
Thanks for sharing this!
Thanks, Tiffany! It can be so stressful, but we are “writing from our hearts,” which is definitely the most important part. I think if we truly follow our heart, we are going in the right direction :).
It is scary to put yourself “out there”. I tend to find myself holding my breath after I hit publish. I’m working on it though! 😉 Have a great day!
Yes! Holding our breath is a perfect description, Jenny. I’m a work in progress too :). Have a great weekend!
I love this post. I also have anxiety and I think I know what you are feeling. That anxious feeling after you have just posted a new post on your blog. It’s sometimes quite overwhelming 🙂 So I totally agree with you.
It can be so overwhelming. I completely agree, Liisi! Those of us with pre-existing anxiety issues can really go crazy with it :).
Beautifully said! As a writer and blogger myself, I tend to err on the side of hesitation when I write to publish on the blog. But over-thinking usually leads to fear, which eventually leads to not sharing what I’ve written, so I do what you do: write, create graphics, and publish. The process has been nerve-wracking and rewarding at the same time, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I love what you said about fear–“feel the fear and write anyway” It’s great and sound advice, not just for bloggers, but for aspiring writers as well. Thank you for your words. Keep them coming 🙂
Thanks for your encouragement, Maria. It sounds like we have similar processes. I think the simpler, the better :). It helps me keep moving forward. Fear is an overwhelming emotion at times, one I try hard to avoid. I agree on the rewarding part though which makes it all worth it!
Candace, what a beautiful post. I too feel so vulnerable as a blogger, and I fear that the things that I say/write will either be criticized or simply unread. It is difficult sometimes to put yourself out there, but, like you, I have felt it a sort of calling to keep writing. And, when I get discouraged, I keep writing. Even if it seems like I am only reaching a very small few. Thank you for sharing your fears. Me too!
Feeling “called” to write makes all the difference in the world for me, Elizabeth. Thinking this is what He wants me to do is truly what keeps me sharing and hitting that scary publish button. Vulnerability can be a beautiful and unnerving thing at the same time :). I’m so glad to have met you through this process!
I do have a love -hate relationship with my blogging journey. Love how I am to connect but sometimes feel vulnerable. From Shine Blog A cuppa for my thoughts
It can be such a love-hate relationship, Jasbir! I completely agree. Thankfully the love overpowers the hate side :).
Thank you so much! You ministered to my heart. I think anyone who blogs feels these vulnerabilities to one degree or another because if you’re not blogging to be somewhat transparent with your readers, why would anyone read your posts (as opposed to a how-to book from the library)? Please keep writing! I’m glad I found you through CreativeKKids link up today!
I’m so glad to have you here today, Maria! Thanks for visiting from Tammy’s. You are so right. Vulnerability and transparency are incredibly important for readers. I know how much I appreciate reading someone’s raw and true emotions in their writing. It makes all the difference.
I am so glad you started blogging and that I got to know you. I feel like you are my dear friend in the “blog” world and that God is using you in a way that I cannot be used! Thank you for being brave and trusting Him. I love reading your posts!
I feel the same about you, Tammy. It’s amazing how close we can feel to some of our fellow blogging friends without ever having met. I think being so open with and continually supporting each other is what makes our relationships so strong. Thanks for making this journey with me, my dear friend!
I am so glad we have met through the virtual world because I feel we are connected in so many ways. Your posts are a reflection of my life in so many ways and I’m always anxious to read the next one because I know part of me will be there too and I want to read how you handled the situation. Just like this post. My biggest fear is “no one cares” about my posts because I’m not, by any means, the best writer in the world. I’m glad to see someone else has these fears also.
I have always felt that connection with you as well, Tammy! As we get to know each other, even more similarities continue to come out. Thank you so much for your always sweet encouragement. It’s friends like you that keep me moving forward, even with all of these fears. I know that “no one cares” fear well, but let me tell you, I truly care about your posts. As soon as I can get a free moment, you are going to teach me how to garden :). I have tons of your posts saved!
Thank you for sharing your heart, Candace. I know many times – especially with the more vulnerable posts, I worry about how it will be received. Or maybe I worded something that someone could possibly take the wrong way. Or the worst – I have unintentionally taken something from God’s word and made it mean something it shouldn’t. Especially after reading some blog posts that rip other vulnerable blog posts apart. Some of the things that I have read I would be devastated if someone said them to me like that.
I’m shocked at some of the comments people receive, Aimee. They are just so unnecessary. I worry a lot about misquoting God’s word as well. It’s one of my biggest fears, but we have to just keep trying the best we know how. Luckily, my husband is pretty knowledgable about the Bible so I run those posts by him before publishing :).
Since you left me a comment on my guest post for Abby’s blog, I’ve been wanting to visit you, Candace. I’m glad I did! Bless you on your writing journey. May God keep using you to encourage others with similar issues. Blogging involves putting yourself “out there,” doesn’t it? It is kind of scary! I’m often a bit nervous after I hit that “publish” button too!
I’m so glad you came by, Betsy! Thank you for the encouragement. Blessings to you as well!
Bless your heart, I’m so glad you’re writing through your anxiety. I hope you have a wonderful week ending.
Laura
Thank you, Laura! The anxiety definitely improves a little with each post. Writing this one was very freeing. I hope you have a wonderful week as well :)!
I am glad I am not the only one out there that feels this way too. I am someone who needed to hear this . . . 3 month blogger here and it is still fearful. Related to everything you said. Well done! Would love to chat more with you.
You are not the only one, Michelle! This has been my most commented post ever, so it’s definitely something that a lot of bloggers deal with. Feel free to send me an email if you want to chat more! Just click on the envelope beside my social media links at the end of every post or in the sidebar. It’s so nice to meet you!
Hi Candace, I could relate to everything you wrote in this post (as could a lot of other people judging from the comments!).
I used to leave my posts over night before rereading (and usually rewriting chunks), but I stopped as it gave me too much time to stress about it. I also feel as if I have so much to share in regards to my sons Aspergers and I would love to help people in our position and to help raise awareness of the syndrome, I have written a few posts. Maybe I should stop thinking about it and just sit down, write more and worry less…
Thank you for showing that we all feel vulnerable at times
I think you would bless so many by sharing your life with your son, Debbie! People feel so alone in situations like that and raising awareness would be wonderful. Definitely “write more and worry less.” I know that’s so much easier said than done!
I can completely relate to stopping the overnight wait before posting. That is way too much time to stress :).
I know you’re right as when our son was diagnosed, I found there wasn’t so much written about older youngsters with the syndrome. Thank you for the support.
xx
No problem, Debbie! I’m listening to a book right now by John Elder Robison called Look Me on the Eye about his life with Asperger’s. I started it because I’m a big fan of his brother, Augusten Burroughs. He said he wrote it because there were no other books out there about this. He has grown into a successful adult, but he also goes through his difficulties of an undiagnosed childhood. It started with a post on his brother’s blog. He got so many comments, support…, he decided to write a book. There is definitely a strong need for your story!
All I can say is WOW!!!! Amen thank you! Don’t stop writing continue allowing the Lord to use you, so amazing when you can write what’s in your heart and to allow it to touch many other women out there is incredible. God is always on time and so happy I stumbled upon your blog! You have definitely inspired me to start writing my testimony God has been nudging me to start I kind of just haven’t felt it was time yet, but I guess today made me realize how amazing it would be if I shared my testimony imagine how much of an impact it would make on another person. Amen thank you! 🙂
Thanks so much for the encouragement, Lizmarie! I’m not sure we ever find a perfect time to share our testimonies. We just have to jump in :). I’m so happy to hear this has helped push you forward in this incredibly important step. Please keep me updated! I would love to learn more. I absolutely love to hear people’s stories. God really does amazing things with our brokenness.
ME TOO!!! As I lay in my bed in the wee hours of the morning searching for ways to build my relationship with God and praying for guidance to overcome my fears, look at where He led me!! Thank you so much for this and for sharing your story. I feel like this was written just for me. I’m looking forward to reading all of your posts. Continuous blessings to you!!!!
Hi Sondra! It’s so nice to meet you :). I’m thankful you were led here and hope it helps you to overcome some of your fears. It’s amazing how God brings us to the words and people we need in His perfect timing. Many blessings to you. I’m looking forward to getting to know you better!
Wow! I’m sitting in this boat, swaying back and forth as we speak. On one hand I refuse to tell God, “No.” and on the other, I find myself doubting every single word I have chiseled into countless journals, receipts and napkins. I’m happy to hear I am not the only one and thrilled to see where God takes me – as soon as I get off my tail and let him.
Blessings Candace!
Hi Carolyn, I’m sorry for the delayed response. I’ve been on a bit of a break lately. You are definitely not the only one who doubts their written words. I’m right there with you. I can’t wait to see where God takes you with this. Keep me posted :). Blessings to you!
Candace, I’m so glad to find someone so honest and open about how we all feel at one time or another! I feel that way a lot of days! Your vulnerability is what endears you to your readers! We all feel that way! Especially when I hit the publish button! My husband knows I’ve finally finished because I do some small chore I put off to write, and immediately come back to see if anyone has read it yet or commented or texted me, etc. Just to know I’ve helped at least one person by telling of my silly mistakes, my Murphy’s law life, health issues, or, most importantly, my complete and total trust in our Lord, then my journey has been made worth it. I have yet to take the final steps to begin my blog, but I can feel God pushing me in that direction for sure! He has put it on my heart, and who am I to question Him?
Again, thanks for being “real”! Oh, yeah. Me too!!!
I completely agree, Diana. If I can help one person, it’s all worth it. Start that blog! It sounds like you have already made the decision and started writing. That’s one of the hardest parts ;). I look forward to hearing about your progress!