The photo above popped up on a friend's Facebook feed earlier this week and the words have been stuck in my head ever since.
I haven't been writing much lately.
I blame work. I want to write - I love to write! - but it's so much easier to push the job I love (that earns me pennies) to the side to concentrate on the job that earns me a living.
I blame my to-do list. I can't stand a messy house so instead of using Topher's hour of Quiet Time to write, I spend it cleaning the kitchen, scrubbing the floor, or purging the hall closet.
Sometimes I even blame the kids. On the rare occasion that I actually have an evening off, I'm too tired. Our days are full and my brain is completely fried by the time I've tucked them in for the sixteenth time. I don't want to think about anything at that point so I crash on the couch in front of the TV.
I do have to work, I do have to keep my house somewhat tidy, and I love spending time with my kids -
So I can't blame those things.
The truth of the matter is that I am my own biggest obstacle.
I'm afraid to write.
I'm afraid to be vulnerable.
I'm afraid to put myself out there.
I'm afraid of criticism and rejection.
I'm afraid of failure ...
And I'm afraid of change.
I'm at the point where I need to get over myself and just jump in.
I need to be braver.
Stronger.
Tougher.
Make sure that the obstacle in your way isn't you.