My biggest emotional challenge as a writer has undoubtedly been fear of judgement.
In so many ways, I insulate myself from the scrutiny of others. I put up personal walls on which graffiti might read—I don’t care what other people think. But, that’s not always true.
While I do my best to live by my own standards, I have found that I’m most vulnerable as a writer. I know my style and voice will not be for everyone, but the thought of disapproval is, at times, crippling.
I’m Glad I Didn’t Walk Away from Writing
In the face of uncertainty and potential embarrassment, I have the tendency to turn my back and walk away. I’m not a risk taker and aggressively avoid the possibility of being hurt or disappointed.
Just as I talk about travel anxiety in Musing Mediterranean, I experience anxiety in other ways too. I could have easily walked away from this book when self-doubt, stress and anxiety got the best of me.
Today, I’m glad I didn’t. Not writing would be the biggest derailment my worries could cause.
Anxiety Manifests in Sleeping Problems & Headaches
When I’m anxious or unsure about something, it most always manifests in a physical way.
I have trouble sleeping, I lose my appetite and dull, little headaches linger for days.
The best way for me to work through this is exercise and, if I’m being honest, zoning out to some of my favorite TV shows helps too. The idea is that I need to clear my head and let go of the overthinking that contributes to my nerves being on edge. Deep breathing also helps.
Being a Writer Leads to Achy Muscles and Joints
My most noticeable physical challenge as a writer is achy muscles and joints. Being sedentary for hours at a time in front of my computer can be quite stiffening. I often don’t realize how much so until later in each day when I have a moment to slow down, both physically and mentally.
I often run from my computer to the car to pick up or drive one of my daughters and then rush back to the house to continue working, workout or take care of household tasks.
As soon as I stop and rest, I find I struggle to stand up without that painful groan that says, you need to stretch, get a massage or soak in a hot tub. I don’t particularly like massage, so I do try to incorporate stretching into my daily routine and I live by the powers of Epsom salts.
A nice soak in an Epsom salt bath always does the trick.
I Need to Feel Happy and Positive to Be Creative
My creativity is most definitely fueled by conversation, humor and other people’s creativity.
I love admiring all kinds of art, interior design, photography, fashion and beauty. The more I surround myself with good conversationalists, funny folks and creative energy, the more I find myself full of new ideas and goals.
Boredom is probably my biggest creativity crusher. If I’m not engaged or enthusiastic about something I’m doing, it really puts a damper on my entire mindset.
If I’m not feeling happy and positive, then I’m not creative.
It’s So Frustrating When Editors and Agents Don’t Respond!
My biggest discouragement and frustration in the writing world is when editors, agents and publishers don’t respond. I would rather get a rejection than no response.
I believe in the courtesy of a simple no thank you.
I know that most editors, agents and publishers are inundated, but they understand the effort and energy that goes into a quality pitch. To have it ignored can be enough to drive even the sanest person crazy.
My Biggest Triumph: My Debut Travel Book
My debut travel book, Musing Mediterranean, is by far my biggest triumph as a writer. If for no other reason than I got it done and I truly love the way it came together.
I spent many years writing magazine articles and columns and always dreamed of doing something bigger. Now that I have, I am energized for my next book which will follow the same cast of characters. This time to Hawaii.
Writing Gives Me a Unique Sense of Pride
[What one thing has kept you true to your path?] Gosh, this is a tough question. For me, I think writing just feels natural.
Certainly, the positive response I get from someone who has read my work is motivating. But, the feeling I get when I complete something and enjoy the way it sounds or the message it sends, is satisfying in a unique way.
Writing gives me a sense of pride that I have not felt in other professional roles. In the ten years that I have been freelance writing, I have never wanted to stop. I truly enjoy what I do.
Advice for a Young Writer: Start Early
Oh, gosh—DO IT! Do it with all of the passion and confidence you can muster and start young.
My biggest regret is not pursuing a creative outlet of some kind in college. If even as a minor, I wish I had pursued my creative passions at a younger age, so that while I worked and earned money I could be honing these skills on the side.
Who knows what might come of it.
* * *
Beth Daigle is a writer, blogger and author with a passion for storytelling. Her desire to travel is squashed only by her fear of it. Not to mention her unabashed homebody tendencies. At home, Beth enjoys her role as wife, and mom to two daughters plus one very sweet Schnauzer. She is happy doing anything artsy, but favors writing as her foremost creative outlet. For Beth, family and laughter are everything.
For more information on Beth and her work, please see her website, or connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Musing Mediterranean: A trip to the Mediterranean—who wouldn’t be thrilled? Beth Daigle should be doing back flips as she prepares to escape her humdrum suburban life, but travel anxiety gets the best of her. This is a trip of a lifetime, something to look forward to, yet Beth is dreading it.
The daughter of an Italian mother and Greek father, Beth has always dreamed of visiting Greece and Italy. Her Type A husband, Tony, revels in planning every detail of their two-week vacation. The plan expands to include not only Beth and Tony’s two tween daughters, but Beth’s parents, sister, brother-in-law, niece and nephew.
As her family’s excitement mounts, so does Beth’s trepidation. She experiences serious anxiety about the flight itself, plus spending two solid weeks with her extended family.
Despite her worries, Beth manages the eight-hour plane ride to Rome, and the adventure begins.
If you’ve never experienced the beauty of the Mediterranean, or even if you have, Musing Mediterranean will take you there through Beth’s eyes, page by page.
Available at Amazon.
Anxiety can manifest in so many ways. It’s great to hear when someone finds a creative outlet to help ease the stress.