Where do you get your ideas? How do you know what to write? How did you find your voice? These are questions I’m often asked.
I have always found it therapeutic to write, once I got started. Growing up, I wrote in a diary. In school, I dreaded writing because it was assigned and I didn’t understand the first thing about research or organization. Now it’s easier to write by finding inspiration in something, when trying to solve a problem or working through feelings. Plus I have the tools to do so now. My writing has grown, as I have grown. I started writing the blog because it was a way to put all of my mentoring advice in one place. It too has evolved. Often I will start a post, and if unable to continue due to lack of inspiration, I’ll leave it as a draft to go back to. I’ll give it some time and see if anything flows. If not, I let it go.
A beautiful gift, that came with time, was finding my voice. It didn’t come naturally and it never comes out organized. But with time, practice and listening to my heart – I have learned to let it flow. The best compliment I’ve received is that reading my writing sounds like me talking. I love that someone can hear me without me speaking or without even knowing me.
I encourage you to write about the things that matter to you. It’s up to you if you want to share your words with anyone. For years I wrote for me. Writing here, for anyone to see, took courage and time. I worry about copyright and others’ perception of me. I don’t mind sharing anything. But I don’t want my ideas stolen or misunderstood. And they have been. All of my posts are original or quoted excerpts. All of my photos are original. So to see my photos and ideas out there on someone else’s presentation or website has been hard. Plus, if you don’t read the entire post, you might get the wrong idea. You truly have to hear my voice and walk through the words with me to understand.
I try to be a positive light in a world that can be dark – both here and out there. I offer the same advice I give during my dating presentations to someone who wants to write. Speak from the heart, be honest, be cautious and make sure your words and photos reflect your true spirit.
~I’m here to help
Tina
“I think writing really helps you heal yourself. I think if you write long enough, you will be a healthy person. That is, if you write what you need to write, as opposed to what will make money, or what will make fame.” ~Alice Walker