What’s Your Label?
Here’s My Label
I want to be authentic and real with you. I’ve placed a label on myself for most of my adult life. I perceived myself to be uneducated, in the academic sense. Now, don’t get me wrong. I’ve owned successful businesses; I’ve been a leader in business and community; I’m a dramatist, inspirational speaker, and as you know, a published author. For some reason, I often wondered, who do I think I am being an author? After all, I didn’t graduate beyond high school, I don’t have a degree in English, writing, or any formal training in the realm of writing, nor do I recall the vast array of books I’ve read. I love to read, but I couldn’t tell you who my inspiration is or even remember who wrote what.
I can’t quote from books that impacted me, (the Bible being the exception), so who do I think I am being a writer?
Story Telling
From childhood on, I’d always had a vivid imagination, but it wasn’t until my adult life that I discovered a gift that had been lurking in the background. One day, I was asked to perform a drama on stage. I’d never done this before, and the thought terrified me; however, it was needed, no one else answered the call, and so I obliged. I remember gulping down Pepto-Bismol to calm my stomach prior to going on stage. Little did I know, my journey would take a leap into the world of acting and playwriting. I absolutely love performing, not for my own satisfaction, but for the satisfaction of those that are watching. I live to hear laughter and gasps, and to see tears flow at the action and words that take place on the stage. What I discovered was that my words really matter; they move people who see themselves in the characters, and conviction to change becomes a reality in so many…they make people think. It is because of this, that I have the courage to write novels.
It Takes a Village
I confess that my grammar and punctuation aren’t the best, I don’t always use my past and present tenses correctly, and I often confuse the parts of speech. That, my friend, is why I have editors!
Bottom Line
Don’t let your own insecurities limit you. Go ahead and dream big dreams, be brave and rip off that label! Surround yourself with those that can help you to succeed. Just remember, if you don’t believe in you, then who else will? So, there you have it. I once wore the label of uneducated, but now I’m unstuck and free.