Writer's Block 101

They say the best way to overcome writer's block is to—you guessed it—write. 

So, here I am.

I've had this blog for quite some time, but often, I'll post and then fade into the darkness for months at a time, feeling like I have nothing [worthwhile] to write about. Then, I watch Julie & Julia (for the 100th time) and think, I could do that. Perhaps if I just write more often, someone out there will read what I have to say and then I'll become popular like Julie. But what do I say? Maybe I need a theme. A catchy blog title. Hmm. Let's just put a pin in that for now.

While watching an episode of Grey's Anatomy the other day, my shoulders nearly touched my ears with anxiety as Bailey interviewed candidates. Now, it's been a while since I've interviewed, but often, one of the very first requests is, "tell me about yourself." For most people, it is no trouble sharing this information. For me, it is a terrifying moment. I've always hated the request. In interviews, networking events, you name it. If someone asks me to tell them about myself, my first instinct is to run. It's better than sounding like a neanderthal when it is clear you are having difficulty thinking of what to say, right? For most of my life, I have struggled with my identity. Who am I? It has been a hard question for me to answer. But thankfully, after many years of therapy, we've finally uncovered some of the reasons why this might be so difficult for me. I don't think I'm quite ready to share any more details than that right now, but it has been rewarding (and scary, if I'm being honest) to get to know myself for the first time in my life.

So, who am I? What have I learned about myself? Well, I've learned that I love to learn. But being a student is not my identity. I've learned that while I care about my health and have an interest in fitness and nutrition, I am not the fitness professional I once was and it is not my identity. I've learned that just because I have a background in business, it does not mean I have to own one. And even though I am a small business owner, it is not my identity. I've learned that I am quirky and that I'm more than okay with that. I am creative. I love crafts and love to create things with my hands. I am a writer. It is a talent that not everyone has and I must not minimize it. And most importantly, I've learned how much I love God. I am a Christian. I am a child of God. And even when I feel utterly broken, He is with me picking up the pieces and putting me back together. How amazing is that?

Well, I guess you could say that whoever "they" is was kind of right—the best way to overcome writer's block is to write. That doesn't mean I am not rusty, but I'm here writing, and that's what matters most to me.

Anyway, thanks for reading this far, and we'll talk soon.

Clever signoff TBD.

—Jen