...i call my fear Frank and feed him gummy colas so that eventually a sugar buzz makes him nap...he mumbles while he sleeps until I tightly tuck a blanket up to his chin...i look away as he snores and when I look back the blanket sits folded at the end of my sunk secondhand costco couch...
Oh, so many times I've shared those fears and insecurities with you. So glad you wrote this, now I can *not* bother you privately and just come back to read this.
[Haha just kidding, I'll still text you ;)]
Seriously, so glad you wrote this reminder everyone on a creative journey needs. It's both an encouraging read, and also an articulation of an answer to a question I had trouble with: Why publish? I can clearly articulate the value of writing, or creating, but not of putting it out. Now I do with such beautiful and poignant prose, I will let fear follow. Thank you for another way in which you have encouraged me.
Also glad you getting more and more recognition as time goes by, it's so well deserved, such a semi-hidden gem you are!
Fear? Insecurity? Can’t relate! But seriously, you know I can and this piece resonated with me so hard. I loved it, I saw myself in it. And as long as it brings you joy, I hope you do keep writing because I always enjoy reading the words you paint together.
Also this, what a mantra:
“By publishing, I choose to feel the fear, not feed it. It’s surrender; but instead of defeat, or feeling weak, I’m empowered. It’s always a victory. And through that, I grow stronger. I love that I can bounce between fear and courage through publishing online.”
“it’s in sharing my words, that I create a space so vast, I expand.” Thank you for sharing this today. I love this thought particularly. Writing personal essays and publishing them online was a huge step for me when I began a year ago. I too “choose to feel the fear, not feed it.”
This piece is so essential for new writers, and all writers. WoP should put it on its build week reading list.
I’m inspired by how you acknowledge the fear, see it for what it is, and publish through it because the love of what you’re writing is more important than the fear. That takes not only a lot of courage, but so! much! strength!
“A year from now, how will I feel about myself if I let fear stop me?” Oooofff this is it. I gotta get this made into a big sign and hang it over my desk. And I’m glad you didn’t let fear stop you because your writing brings me so much joy and I would be very sad if it ever went away (out of fear, but if it’s ever out of choice I’ll be a lil sad but someday maybe be ok with it, but plz don’t stop writing)!!!
Also, thank you for featuring my essay this week and the kindest words! I am forever honored and grateful to be a part of Sunday Candy :):):)<3
Yes. Yes. Yes!!! Speak it Sandra!! I/We need to hear this declaration over and over as a reminder to stay vigilant against the invisible tyranny of fears that tempt us into silence outside of our awareness. If we're not taking small steps toward our fears we're simply not living. And I agree. Fear is a sign that we're on track and have something worthwhile to say instead of the opposite. This is a large part of why I'm promoting the practice of speaking, and especially personal storytelling, because we run up against the same need to dance with our fears to find the treasure of our expression.
...i call my fear Frank and feed him gummy colas so that eventually a sugar buzz makes him nap...he mumbles while he sleeps until I tightly tuck a blanket up to his chin...i look away as he snores and when I look back the blanket sits folded at the end of my sunk secondhand costco couch...
Oh, so many times I've shared those fears and insecurities with you. So glad you wrote this, now I can *not* bother you privately and just come back to read this.
[Haha just kidding, I'll still text you ;)]
Seriously, so glad you wrote this reminder everyone on a creative journey needs. It's both an encouraging read, and also an articulation of an answer to a question I had trouble with: Why publish? I can clearly articulate the value of writing, or creating, but not of putting it out. Now I do with such beautiful and poignant prose, I will let fear follow. Thank you for another way in which you have encouraged me.
Also glad you getting more and more recognition as time goes by, it's so well deserved, such a semi-hidden gem you are!
"By publishing, I choose to feel the fear, not feed it. It’s surrender"--thank you for naming the feelings I felt but didn't understand. I love this.
I read this back twice because you so perfectly encapsulated the process of writing + writing in public.
I’ve never thought about it in such a way as you explained it.
I enjoyed how you talked about surrender too. What if we surrendered, instead of resisting “that thing”?
Thank you for your amazing perspective, Sandra!
Fear? Insecurity? Can’t relate! But seriously, you know I can and this piece resonated with me so hard. I loved it, I saw myself in it. And as long as it brings you joy, I hope you do keep writing because I always enjoy reading the words you paint together.
Also this, what a mantra:
“By publishing, I choose to feel the fear, not feed it. It’s surrender; but instead of defeat, or feeling weak, I’m empowered. It’s always a victory. And through that, I grow stronger. I love that I can bounce between fear and courage through publishing online.”
“Each time I write and publish, I wonder if it will be my last.” - you’re in my head.
An instant classic for writers to revisit and reread. Two of my favorite lines:
"By publishing, I choose to feel the fear, not feed it."
"Because love is my lantern and fear is my shadow. I can’t have one without the other, and maybe I wouldn’t want to. "
“it’s in sharing my words, that I create a space so vast, I expand.” Thank you for sharing this today. I love this thought particularly. Writing personal essays and publishing them online was a huge step for me when I began a year ago. I too “choose to feel the fear, not feed it.”
This piece is so essential for new writers, and all writers. WoP should put it on its build week reading list.
I’m inspired by how you acknowledge the fear, see it for what it is, and publish through it because the love of what you’re writing is more important than the fear. That takes not only a lot of courage, but so! much! strength!
“A year from now, how will I feel about myself if I let fear stop me?” Oooofff this is it. I gotta get this made into a big sign and hang it over my desk. And I’m glad you didn’t let fear stop you because your writing brings me so much joy and I would be very sad if it ever went away (out of fear, but if it’s ever out of choice I’ll be a lil sad but someday maybe be ok with it, but plz don’t stop writing)!!!
Also, thank you for featuring my essay this week and the kindest words! I am forever honored and grateful to be a part of Sunday Candy :):):)<3
Yes. Yes. Yes!!! Speak it Sandra!! I/We need to hear this declaration over and over as a reminder to stay vigilant against the invisible tyranny of fears that tempt us into silence outside of our awareness. If we're not taking small steps toward our fears we're simply not living. And I agree. Fear is a sign that we're on track and have something worthwhile to say instead of the opposite. This is a large part of why I'm promoting the practice of speaking, and especially personal storytelling, because we run up against the same need to dance with our fears to find the treasure of our expression.
Yes! Next, you and me embrace the open mic 🫣😱😳.
This totally gave me Thomas the engine vibes - from “I think I can” to “Befriend Your Fears!”
"Because love is my lantern and fear is my shadow. I can’t have one without the other, and maybe I wouldn’t want to."
What a great acknowledgement of the ends of the pendulum we swing to and back from.
"I won’t let fear be the reason I stop sharing what I write and think."
The resolve you put into that line is palpable. I am continually inspired by your words. Thank you.
Love the “I choose to feel the fear, not feed it”
Such a great reminder to how we choose to interact with the fear.