To The Writer Who Is Too Scared To Share Their Stories

I want you to know that the stories you are burying are probably worth sharing. And there are others who need to hear them, too.

Your stories could even save lives.

I know you might be worried about what will happen if you write about who and what hurt you and what you learned in the process, but all the more painful is not bringing what you wrote to the light. Your experiences, your stories, and most importantly, you, all matter.

Because you are not just a writer, you are a hero and a healer too. Your words not only have the power to change lives, but they can inspire others too.

The ex who broke your heart.

The parent who abandoned you.

The kids who picked on you growing up.

The job you were almost fired from.

The family member who verbally, physically, or sexually assaulted you.

The friend who betrayed your trust.

The person who didn’t love you the way you needed to be loved.

The invisible wounds you can’t talk about but can write about all matter and are still a part of your story.

The things that hurt, the things that disappointed you, and the pain that pierced you are not always easy to write about, talk about, and share, but all you have to do is take the first step and just do it.

This is not about revenge or getting even, nor is it about who hurt you and why. This is about you and the lives you can change through what you have been given: the extraordinary gift of writing.

I know you might be scared to share certain stories, but there are others who have come before you, just as scared, who decided to write their stories and share them anyway. Don’t hide out. Stop watering down your pain. Tell it like it is. Set yourself free. And breathe.

This is your time, your life, and your season. It’s time for your writing to speak.

Someone in this world needs it.