Morgan Shamy had a very intriguing post (read it here) last week about labeling yourself as a writer that still lingers in the confidence part of my brain because her words made me realize I still don't call myself a writer.
How can this be when I have proof to back up such a claim?
Proof #1: I write.
Proof #2: I've written a book (more than one).
Proof #3: I have a blog so I can write about writing.
Proof #4: I am involved on a daily basis with fellow writers in this amazing community.
Why do I still feel odd calling myself a writer?
I have children, therefore I am a mother. I say that without hesitation. I have a husband, therefore I am a wife. I am a daughter, a sister, and a friend, all of which I claim easily.
I've played soccer my entire life, continue to play regularly, have all the equipment, pay to play and hold a player's card, therefore I am a soccer player.
On the other hand, I've painted many paintings, have a space for my easel and supplies in my loft, even given paintings away as gifts and people hang them in their homes, yet I do not call myself a painter.
Maybe that's it. Maybe I need some margin of success that can be documented over time. Maybe I need to spend years writing to make me feel worthy of calling myself a writer.
Leigh Covington had a post about affirmations (read it here) during the A to Z challenge so I wrote one down. It says "I am a good writer. My story is good." I know it's not the most knock-your-socks-off affirmation, but I thought I'd start small.
Thanks to Morgan's wake-up blog post and Leigh's idea for having an affirmation, I will now read this aloud every day, practicing the idea of claiming my spot as a writer.
My name is Hope. I am a writer.
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