I've Been Keeping a Secret

To Share or not to Share

I’ve written in secret for over two years, and I thought it was time I started sharing.

It hasn’t been easy.

The first time I shared one of my short poems, was with my son, who also loves to write. It would be a safe space to share. He is after all, my son. He had to tell me he liked it, right! Sadly, my lack of self-confidence, where writing was concerned, kept me from sharing, and I quietly filled my notebook.

Then, my son shared a poem with me, and I was awestruck at what he wrote. I showered him with accolades, not only because I loved the piece, but to encourage him to continue writing these works of art.

Then it hit me.

There I was showing someone else admiration, but I couldn’t even do it for myself.

So, I promised myself to step out of my comfort zone and share a little more. How else could I grow the craft of writing and build self-worth if I kept it a secret?

Fast forward a few months and I worked up the courage to share a poem I wrote for my better half.

He loved it.

He is a man of few words and the ones he chooses to show his appreciation through are always sincere. I thought by hearing his praise, it would build my self-confidence, but I realized it wasn’t about that. I needed to believe what I was writing was meaningful and when I heard his words in response to reading the poem, I realized I needed to share more.

My first poem led to a book full!