Overcoming Barriers: From Ideation to Realization - My Journey of Writing

Every so often, I find myself reflecting on my personal journey, one that began with an idea that grew into a passion, only to face unexpected obstacles. The story I have in my mind, the characters who dance in my imagination, and the narrative that weaves together my unique experiences into a compelling tale - they are all waiting to be told. However, the path from ideation to reality has not been a smooth one. In this article, I will share my experiences and the factors that have hindered my progress, as well as my plans to push through these challenges and finally share my story.

Barriers to Writing: A Personal Account

It was a couple of years ago when I posted on an app or website that I was writing a book. Excitedly, I shared this news with the world, promising that I would have it ready by 2022. Today, 2022 has come and gone, but the book remains unfinished. The reason for this delay is multifaceted, involving both positive and negative life events that have impacted my motivation and ability to continue.

LIFE CHANGERS: A TRIGGERING JOURNEY

The past couple of years have seen my life take some significant turns. Some were positive, like moving to California or finding a successful career in marketing, but others were not. My health battles, including multiple cancer diagnoses, numerous surgeries, and a botched hernia repair that left me battling sepsis, have certainly taken their toll. Additionally, caring for my mother after her stroke and her subsequent amputations also consumed a lot of my energy and time.

INSPIRATION AND IDEATION: SOURCES OF INSPIRATION

Despite these challenges, I have often thought about writing a memoir. The stories I have lived through are diverse and rich – from my days as a chicken sexer in Arkansas to my experiences in mental health and beyond. Here are some highlights:

My high school summers as a counselor for children with developmental disabilities, which was incredibly rewarding Volunteering at the Arkansas Children's Colony to support children with serious physical and emotional challenges Working at the Arkansas State Mental Hospital as a recreation counselor Participating in the Miss Cleburne County talent show, where I competed and performed modern dance in the dark Moving to California and working in the luxury apartment industry, eventually owning my own marketing consulting business My 30-year relationship with my spouse, with our lives taking us to different states and cities The health challenges, including multiple cancer diagnoses and surgeries The care of my mother who died in a nursing home My struggle with cocaine addiction in a dark period of my life

IDEATION AND BLOCKS: NAVIGATING THE WATERS

While these stories provide a rich tapestry of experiences, they also pose a challenge. I have had trouble coming up with ideas for the book and have been seeking a unique narrative that truly captures the essence of my life. My desire to create a compelling and well-paced story has sometimes turned into an overwhelming challenge, leading to writer's block.

Pushing Through and Planning Ahead

At times, I have been too self-critical, expecting too much perfection from the narrative. Instead of forcing the story to fit a certain mold, I am now more focused on capturing the moments that truly resonated and that have a message to share. I plan to complete this journey, even if it takes a while.

MOVING FORWARD: A COMMITMENT TO SEIZE OPPORTUNITIES

Now, I am here to share my story. I invite anyone who has faced similar challenges to join me in this journey. We often hold ourselves back from achieving our goals due to various barriers. The key is to acknowledge these obstacles and find ways to overcome them. Whether it's making time for writing, finding a writing group, or simply taking a break and returning with fresh perspective, the important thing is to keep the end goal in mind.

IN CONCLUSION: A CALL TO ACTION

To all the aspiring writers out there, I say: don't let life's detours prevent you from sharing your story. Each of us has a unique narrative waiting to be told, and it's up to us to bring it to life.

Stay inspired, stay motivated, and most importantly, never give up on your passion.