Writing my story + facing fear & finding fresh focus

Writing is something that I have been drawn to do from quite a young age. I remember the very first journal I received. It was a little white book with a silver lock and key. I remember the thrill of documenting my days and keeping them locked away in a secret place that was just for me. That little book of childhood memories turned into stacks of wire ringed notebooks filled with with pages of teenage thoughts, feelings, poetry and prayers. It was a safe place for me to express and process life. I was writing my story and I didn't even realize it.

While there have been seasons of my life during which I have stopped jouranling, the better part of my life has been documented on paper. It's one of the very few things that I have been  consistent with. I think that's because, it's not something that I feel obligated to do...it's something that I feel compelled to do. I write to make sense of my thoughts, experiences and emotions and to remind myself of truth when I find myself slipping into negative patterns of thinking. It comes naturally to me and has always been very personal. I do remember enjoying reading and writing essays in school and getting fairly decent grades, but never did I consider writing as a career path or "gifting" that God may call me to share with anyone but myself. It wasn't until I was in my early 20's and going through recovery from a destructive relationship, that I first was inspired to write for someone else. I remember feeling a deep sense, that one day, I needed to write a book and that thought scared me...

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Well here I am 13+ years later. I have not written that book yet but the desire to share my writing is still there and has continued to grow. A number of years ago, I started blogging. I felt a "call" from God to open up and share my stories of pain and brokenness so that they might somehow encourage others who have similar struggles, but again, the thought of being so vulnerable scared me. What would people think about me? Would they criticize or reject me? I began to blog, but I focused on writing about "safer things" like holistic wellness and sharing my healthy recipe creations. I did venture out and write a few vulnerable posts here and there, but not often. (Much of that content was published on my old blogger site. I am currently in the process of moving it over.) Fear has held me back for a long time, from focusing my writing on personal stories,  but I believe the time has come for me to face that fear!

At the beginning of 2019 I felt like it was time for me to get more serious about my writing, to be more consistent, to develop my skills and to focus in on what I felt God had originally asked me to write about. Shortly afterwards, I saw facebook Ad for a free online writers conference called Flourish. I thought to myself, this has to be a "God-thing" so I registered immediately. What followed was seven days of in-valuable training from published authors, editors and other experts in the field of writing. I learned so much, on practical level but also on a spiritual level. It helped me clarify my purpose and re-ignited in me the desire to share openly without fear. It was exactly what I needed, at just the right time. It helped me find fresh focus.

Afterwards I committed to myself and God, to begin blogging more consistently and to boldly share the stories and words of encouragement I believe He has given me to share, with whoever he destines to stubble upon my blog. I pray you are encouraged to step out in whatever fear has been holding you back from doing. Let's face our fears together! I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments section below. I'll be sure to reply! Sincerely~Donna
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Donna Joy

Beauty in the Broken Blogger + child of God + wife + mama of 4.  Sunshine, coffee, dark chocolate and good conversation are her idea of a good time. Donna enjoys writing as a way of processing life. She also enjoys sharing wellness tips and recipes for living well. Donna's goal with her writing is to inspire & encourage frazzled moms to take care of themselves and find purpose in their daily lives.