I loved meeting people on my book tour for my memoir, Crazy Quilt. After a reading, people would come up and tell me how they related to my struggles. Or how my grandparents reminded me of their own. And then there were the comments that led me into becoming a coach.
Some people expressed envy that I had actually done the writing. Some people told me they wanted to write a memoir themselves but didn’t think they’d ever do it. I asked them the obvious question: “Why not?” And you can fill in the blank: time, work, it’s too big of a project. And so on.
It can feel like a big leap
How do you get the courage to follow that dream or recurring nudge that won’t leave you alone?
Sometimes, you have to take a leap into the unknown. Easier said than done! I’ve found, over and over, that having a clear “why” really helps to generate the energy needed for that leap.
When I first handed the unpublished manuscript of Crazy Quilt to my parents, I was stressed out. I wanted to tell the truth in my memoir, but didn’t want to offend them. What got me bold enough was knowing that my story might help someone. I imagined some readers might relate to my struggles.
And guess what happened? My mother became one of my most ardent fans. My father was, how shall we say…forgiving. I found a publisher, I went on a book tour.
In my own experience, having a clear “why” leads the way
As a writer, I have to continually battle fear of what other people will think. But that first leap was instructive, and I’m so glad I have that experience to lean back on when I need it. Fear can stop you. So can tons of other life stuff.
But taking a leap can give you rewards you weren’t even expecting. If you are struggling to take a leap you know you want to, ask yourself, “What’s the compelling reason to do this?”
Then make your decision.