Fear.

The other night I was speaking with the Writers' Group at the library and we began to discuss fear and how, as artists in any genre, we often allow it to hold us back.  Fear of criticism, rejection, humiliation, failure...it's terrifying.  And yet, throughout these many years, even after being on the receiving end of all of the above, I have learned that there is that person that really needs to see or hear what you have to share.  That there is someone, at least one person but usually more, that will connect with your experience and how you relay it.  It's unfortunate how often we let fear hold us back.  I have definitely been guilty of it but slowly...ever so slowly, I force myself to do things, like the 52 WEEKS project, to push myself past it.  I have found that there are ways to make it easier, like sharing online instead of in person, but more often I just jump in.  I have read my writing in front of a group of 1,000 women and the more often I teach and talk about what I do, the easier it becomes.  Plus, I find that focusing on what I love, it's much easier to take that leap.