Words That Inspire

Starting my blog and sharing my words has opened so many doors long slammed shut in my life. I’ve aired out some of my deepest, darkest rooms and shared the contents with whoever chooses to read. Or not...I’m not an arm-twister.

Writing is something I’ve always done. I began my college career as an English major but became sidetracked by life and then a career in the legal world. My writing took a back seat. My dreams of one day publishing a best-selling novel dissolved over time. They melted away along with my confidence and got squashed by self-doubt. I let myself believe that writing was simply the silly dream of child.

Last summer, something clicked. I was compelled, quite out of the blue, to start a blog. I really had no idea what I was going to do with it but one afternoon, while my three small children played outside the yard, I created Narragansett No. 7. It was as if someone was pushing me along-right down to the name. The whole process took perhaps an hour and I haven’t stopped since. My words keep coming. I’m finally applying for that MFA in Creative Writing and it feels right.

I happen to be a big believer in fate. People are placed in our lives for a reason. Sometimes, they have no idea at all that their words have provided encouragement. Donna is one of those people.

I have to admit, I’m nervous about guest blogging for Write Now, Write Later. Donna is a writer and I’m still not ready fully embrace that title. My words and style might not work for her readers… I think that I’m okay with that. Why? Because this afternoon while I perused her older posts, I began to realize that Donna and I share many similarities and losses in our lives.  We marvel at our aging bodies and struggle to accept this new version of ourselves. Her father passed away when she was 17, my father abandoned me when I was 11…in 1981. We have both recently shared the beginnings of our novels. Through her words she has encouraged me to accept myself. As Donna pointed out, not everyone is perfect. Not everyone will look at you (or read your words) and say, “WOW” but chances are, there is someone out there in Blogland who is getting a big boost of encouragement.  It doesn’t pay the bills, but it’s something to be proud of.

Thanks for your words, Donna. If nothing else, it’s nice to find a kindred spirit in this life.

Guest Blogger: Kelli Hadfield-Faherty at http://www.narragansettnumber7.com/