Overcoming My Writing Fears

When I was first asked to write a book about my course on authenticity, I couldn’t help but think, Do they even know me? I mean, let’s be real—spelling and grammar have never been my strong suit. I’ve always been more of a math person, someone who loves the clarity of numbers over the complexity of words. So, when the suggestion to write a book came my way, I couldn’t help but wonder if the person who asked me had truly thought this through.

Writing a book is no small feat, and I knew that my struggles with spelling and grammar would be one of the biggest hurdles to overcome. But instead of letting it stop me, I decided to face it head-on. If I was going to share my message with the world, I had to find ways to work around my weaknesses and grow in the process.

The Struggles of Spelling and Grammar

I’ve always admired people who can whip up a perfectly written sentence without hesitation. For me, though, writing has always felt like wading through molasses. Spelling errors, misplaced commas, and tense inconsistencies seemed to follow me like a shadow. The idea of putting my thoughts into a book—something permanent and public—was daunting.

But I also realized something important: my struggles didn’t have to define me. They were just challenges, and challenges can be overcome with the right tools and support.

How I Moved Past the Fear

To tackle my spelling and grammar struggles, I implemented a few strategies that have made a world of difference:

1. Spell Check Is My Best Friend
   Let’s start with the obvious: spell check. It’s not perfect, but it’s a lifesaver for catching those glaring errors. I’ve learned to rely on it as a first line of defense, but I don’t stop there.
2. Family and Friends as My Editors
   I’m lucky to have a supportive circle of family and friends who are willing to help. My daughters, who help me with costumes, have also stepped in to review my writing. They catch things I miss and help me refine my ideas. Having fresh eyes on my work has been invaluable.
3. Investing in My Skills
   One of the biggest steps I’ve taken is enrolling in English classes. These classes have helped me understand the nuances of grammar, improve my sentence structure, and add depth to my writing. I’ve learned how to make my language more engaging and less plain, which has given me a newfound confidence in my abilities.
4. Embracing the Process
   I’ve also learned to embrace the fact that writing is a process. It’s okay to make mistakes—it’s part of learning and growing. By focusing on progress rather than perfection, I’ve been able to push past my fears and keep moving forward.

A Lesson in Growth

Looking back, I can see that my struggles with spelling and grammar weren’t just obstacles—they were opportunities for growth. They forced me to step outside my comfort zone, seek help, and invest in myself. Writing a book isn’t just about sharing my message; it’s about becoming the best version of myself so I can inspire others to do the same.

So, to the person who asked me to write this book: thank you. You saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself, and you gave me the push I needed to turn my weaknesses into strengths.