Earlier this week I had the privilege of reading some poetry shared with me by another writer. I love reading people's words, the way they form them around an emotion or an experience to tell a story. This fellow writer kept making comments about them not really being a writer, and their words were just...words. Reader, those words had feeling behind them, within them and swirling around them. I told them so and assured them multiple times they were indeed a writer. I encouraged them to keep writing and share when comfortable. 

As with anything in life, writing is a bit of a journey. We come across obstacles, distractions, and change. The struggle is real, and in my belief through the struggle, we find more of ourselves. I know it isn't all struggle (let's be honest with ourselves, writing can be a head banging, shin kicking roller coaster of a time), the sun shines and the obstacles can be overcome. Every single person that writes started somewhere. Not one was perfect right out of the gate (sorry, but it is true), in fact perfection isn't something we should be striving for but for authenticity. Who we are, how we became and are still becoming... our authentic self. When we share the true pieces of ourselves, however that may look, it rings true and is felt. 

So, listen, during the struggles and the sunshine, remember to breathe and not just recognize but appreciate the journey. Believe in yourself, be yourself and above all... Keep writing.