Chapter 1: A Revelation After Five Decades

For fifty years, I failed to recognize my talent for writing, which is quite absurd considering I’ve been crafting words since childhood. It’s even more ironic, given that I have three traditionally published books under my belt and have contributed to numerous journals, anthologies, and magazines. To top it off, I’ve been teaching creative writing for over 25 years.

I always acknowledged my writing skills, yet I consistently neglected to factor this into significant life decisions. This phenomenon is difficult to articulate unless you've been in a similar situation. Growing up, I was surrounded by an environment where reading and writing were not celebrated; engaging with books marked you as elitist, and writing was something to be kept secret.

As I matured and encountered fellow book lovers, I still viewed writing merely as a pastime, not a genuine talent or vocation. Even after seeing my first short stories published and receiving accolades, my mindset didn’t shift. Sure, I felt fortunate to have my work recognized, but I never considered it to be my true calling.

I spent years feeling adrift, not knowing what I was meant to pursue. I forgot the ambitions of my younger self, who once told a teacher about the dream of becoming an author. Instead, I wandered through various jobs, convinced that I was unsuited for any of them.

What triggered my transformation? The answer is intricate. It involved shedding societal expectations, embracing self-acceptance, dealing with personal loss, and experiencing a series of pivotal life events.

Then came the launch of my Substack newsletter, The Distractionist, where I share humorous insights weekly. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with many people subscribing and even offering financial support. Ironically, creating humor made me recognize the need to take my writing seriously.

Ultimately, I pitched an article to a well-known journal, got commissioned, and was compensated for my work. This moment of realization—this is my passion—was monumental.

Now, I find myself on Medium, eager to share my journey and insights related to writing, mental health, and relationships with a wider audience. I aim to provide writing advice that acknowledges the entirety of a person, rather than reducing them to just a writer. Remember, it’s never too late to embark on a new path or embrace change. Even if you’ve spent decades feeling lost, it’s always possible to reclaim your power!

Section 1.1: The Importance of Self-Realization

Recognizing your own abilities can be a profound journey. It's essential to embrace the idea that it's never too late to realize your potential.

Subsection 1.1.1: Breaking Free from Expectations

Chapter 2: From Hobby to Passion

This video highlights the journey of realizing that writing can be more than just a hobby. It showcases how embracing humor can lead to a deeper understanding of one's writing potential.

In this episode, the importance of stepping onto the stage of your own life is explored. It's a reminder that it's never too late to embrace your passions and share your voice with the world.