It’s Not About Me

A writer friend told me I was brave for publishing my writing. She said she could never do that, it was too scary. What if nobody liked what she wrote? What if people judged her?

I could relate. That’s how I used to feel, and still do sometimes, though not so often anymore.

The secret? It’s not about me.

You see, when I’m worried about how my writing will be received, I’m making it about me. What if my writing sucks? What if nobody likes it? What if people judge me and think I’m being a drama queen? All those thoughts are about ME.

But what if my writing helps someone feel less alone? What if it’s exactly what someone needs to hear right then to get through their day? 

With those thoughts, it’s no longer about me. It’s about connection, and hope, and faith that life is much more vast and expansive than my fear. 

It’s the belief that I can make a difference. Not because I’m particularly special, or because my writing is that unique. But because each of us, including you, including me, has a part to play in healing this world.

Marianne Williamson says: “Your playing small does not serve the world…as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” 

I wonder what would happen if we stopped playing small? If we decided to publish that poem, reach out to that friend, run for office; have enough faith to do that scary thing that just might make all the difference in the world?