Finally Writing

It's been a long time coming...

For years, I told myself I would finally put pen to paper...or fingertips to keyboard.

Outside of my sporadic journal entries (I have to do better!) I avoided writing in general and especially publicly for years.

Until now, my blog was a collection of plant-based recipes and tips, but it lacked the personal touch of my thoughts and personality.

I was just a shell on this site - just smiling and shit not showing up the way I needed to.

I avoided writing publicly because this little voice always told me I wasn't good enough and no one cared about what I had to say.

This isn't just from my imagination, though.

I was behind in reading and writing - below grade level compared to my peers.

When we had to read aloud in elementary school, I'd panic and recite my paragraph silently until it was my turn so I wouldn't embarrass myself in front of the class.

This level of shame has followed me throughout life.

Instead of giving up, I eagerly read all through elementary and middle school. The joy of discovering new worlds and characters through reading was a constant source of inspiration for me.

I also spent summers writing short poems and hood fiction. lol

I was an avid reader and writer because I knew I was behind, but a beautiful side effect came from this - I fell in love with both.

So here I am...ready to share freely and allow others to join this journey of embracing my 'new' life as a writer.

It's a journey of personal growth, and I hope my experiences resonate with you.

This is the beginning of something special, and I'm excited to do it with you.