Why Now? Finding the Courage to Write My Story

My mother and I in 1989

People often ask, "Why now?"—why share my story at this moment, as I step into the

literary world.

The truth is, I've always known my story could help others. But as life moved forward,

fear of failure and rejection paralyzed me.

Then, as my children grew and my youngest heads off to full-time school this fall, I

felt the question hit me like a meteor: What now? I sat in that crater for a while, unsure

how to climb out.

But grief has a way of shaping you in unexpected ways. Six months ago, I lost my

mother.

Through her struggles with mental illness and multiple sclerosis, she lost memories and

the use of her limbs one by one.

Although she could no longer write her poems by hand, she never lost her love of using

words to heal.

In her final days, she encouraged me to write. "You have a gift" she said.

She didn't know I had already begun.

Her passing became the hardest chapter yet. But her words and unwavering pride in me

gave me the courage to finally let go of the fear of getting it wrong and begin.

When I run my hand over her yellowed pages, her presence comforts me and urges me

forward. When I read her words from decades ago, I feel her voice echoing. Writing is

what connects us, even though she is no longer here.

Creativity and self-expression live in all of us. They can be a source of healing, joy,

reflection, and connection.

What inspires you to be creative when life feels heavy? Who has given you the courage

to begin again? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments.