Hello friends!
I’m surprised, delighted, and grateful that 176 of you are welcoming me into your inbox!
My path into writing has been as unexpected as it is rewarding — English was always my weakest subject in school. I still struggle with comma placement and often mix up my verb tenses. Thank you for sticking with me and being here for the beginning of my writing journey.
Reaching this 20th post milestone is something I could hardly have imagined. Most unexpected was how deeply personal my essays have been. A few years ago, the thought of sharing such intimate details—fearing their potential impact on my future employability—would have been unthinkable.
"How do you find the courage to share your work?”
This is the question I get most. Just last week, it came from a friend who has written 67 poems no one has ever seen. I created this TikTok to encourage her and you if you’re reading this and struggling to hit that publish button.
Also as encouragement, I’m sharing the first and second poem I’ve ever written.
I used to be so intimidated by poetry I couldn’t even read it. Then in my writing course, I met
. Upon hearing this she asked in that matter-of-fact English accent of hers, the kind where questions end on a down note so as to be an assumptive close, “Would you like to do a mini poetry workshop right now?”“Sure,” the word escaped my lips before my brain could process what was happening.
She started with a simple request: think about a highly emotional experience or realization you’ve had.
My response?
“I know exactly what it is…”[continue]
My second poem was written for a friend of mine going through a divorce. The pain of also losing close friends is something no one going through it is ever prepared for.
These aren’t perfect. They don’t have to be. I create to express myself and to connect with people like you.
Now, to answer the question, "How do you find the courage to share your work?”
It was a combination of things. I started small with a few tweets a week. Without followers, I didn’t get any engagement. It was a safe place to practice.
I more or less copied what others were doing and shared ideas I was familiar with.
I had a purpose — help people. Initially, when I had an insurance brokerage, my purpose was to help people protect their families with life insurance. Now my purpose is to help people feel less alone when going through life’s challenges, get unstuck, and see what’s possible.
The reality is…nobody cares about your work as much as you do. If they do, then you’ve found your people. Focus on connecting with them.
Remember, you do not have to share everything you create. Even though I publish regularly, I still get bouts of self-doubt. Over the past few weeks, I’ve hesitated to publish a meaningful piece I’ve been working on, finding the process challenging and feeling a responsibility to do it justice. I’ve decided to break it up into a series and shelve it for now.
Even if one person feels seen, understood, or inspired by what we've shared, then we've succeeded beyond measure. Here's to many more posts, poems, and pieces of our hearts shared in this sacred space. Thank you for being part of my journey.
Until next time, keep writing, keep sharing, and keep believing in the power of your own voice.
I’d love to know what you’ve done to overcome publish reluctance. Please comment below.
I appreciate you reading my newsletter. If you’d like to support me further, consider buying me a coffee - Yours truly, Miche
"Even if one person feels seen, understood, or inspired by what we've shared, then we've succeeded beyond measure." YES! I was just thinking and feeling this today. I love this idea. We get so bogged down by the idea of having lots of followers or attention. Just help one person!
...best tip for writing i took to heart was to make a plan that feels easy and repeatable...congrats on all your publishing and growth...