A few of you have asked why I’ve labeled my newsletter Confessions of a Writer.
It began a few years ago as I reflected on how often we hide as humans, writers and creatives. The thoughts and feelings most precious to us are often barricaded behind walls of protection—humor, dismissal or simply pushing them as far down as we can so they are safe.
We spill ourselves onto the pages of a journal but then put it on a shelf and forget about it for decades (or a lifetime). There’s resistance when we think of bringing our whole selves—with all our glory and faults—out of the private sphere into the public.
My own walls were created brick by brick in my own reaction to constant moving, being misunderstood and wondering if I would every belong (even though there was plenty of proof that I did).
It starts early for us. Hiding.
We notice dissaproval or rejection in the faces of others to things we have said or done—and we edit ourselves down, pack parts of ourselves away.
There is certainly wisdom in being selective about where we bare the tender parts of ourselves, but for so many—all the alive parts of us are buried deep because we stop believing that safe people, places and times exist. It can be hard to find soft places to land and speak up.
I’ve struggled with this for years and the fear of vulnerability and authenticity continues to bubble up from time to time.
That’s why I want to live a confessional life and made the choice to create a small space on the internet where I willingly lay myself bare.
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”
—James 5:16
Confession is often defined as telling and making known our faults, weaknesses or wrongs. It can keep me humble and remind me of my humanity and connection to others.
Then there is the other side of confession if we think of it as coming out of hiding—sharing our deepest joy and the goodness we notice within and in the world.
When I use the word confession, it is not meant to be a shame or guilt practice—but rather a freedom rythm of stepping into the light and sharing the wide-awake and real parts of myself—as a writer and human.
This is where my writing journey began—
confessions on paper
pouring out my heart and dreams
joy and grief colliding
and experiencing the wonder of lines and shadows
giving voice to the world within.
My writing here will be different than what I share on my newsletter—a little more raw, messy and confessional. (you can sign up for the newsletter here: https://unstoppable-writers.ck.page/newsletter )
Tell me what you think about living a confessional life and when the last time was when you intentionally stepped into the light to share your stories.