Be Authentic and Clear: The Ultimate Foundation in Writing

As I share important thoughts in this post, most of what you will read are snapshots of my experiences in pursuing my passion career as a writer. Each person has unique reasons why he wants to write. And an important question that you need to answer for yourself is:

“Why do I write?” or “Why do I want to write?”

The more you become clear with the perception of who you really are, the easier to root out the answer to this question. This will lead you in building your ultimate foundation in writing.

My Experience:

As I try to remember the first time I fell in love with writing, the first memory that played in my head was my 6 year-old self reading a book about the life of Jose Rizal (Philippine National Hero). I could not remember the exact moment how I got into writing, but it’s still crystal clear to me how I fell in love with reading. I was fully submerged into reliving Rizal’s life by reading that book.

To simply say, “I fell in love with reading first before I realized that I want to write.”

 

Annie Proulx, an American novelist and short story writer, stated this profoundly:

“Writing comes from reading, and reading is the finest teacher of how to write.”

 

Reading a lot gave birth to my desire to become a writer. Books are so precious to me that I wanted to create my own. I conceive profound happiness every time I read words, sentences and paragraphs. I felt like I was being transported to another world, the kind of world that I wanted to live in, the world that can understand my peculiarities. And I want to give the same pleasure to others through the stories that I write. Since then, I knew within the core of my heart that I want to become a writer when I grow up.

 

My dream to become a writer started innocent and small, but it changes over the course of time as seasons of my life go through transitions. The more mature I get, my intentions and inspirations for writing also get deeper and clearer. Why? Because maturity is a place of realizations, transformation and alignment to our true purpose. The more we learn about life and ourselves, the vaster perspectives we can share in our works.

It is not easy to establish our authentic voice and very own spot in the literature arena. In order to achieve that, we have to be deeply rooted and free from anybody else’s shadow.

 

What is being deeply rooted?

The natural instinct of man is to look inside of himself. We are designed to know ourselves so that we will be able to recognize our highest calling. However, the society raised and taught us a mindset that in order to survive, we have to gain security in money and social acceptance, so that we won’t get left behind and people will honor us for being successful in the eyes of the world. Instead of looking within and listen to the voice of our soul, we search and pursue the things of the outside — always considering how other people will react to our actions.

If by, in any area of your life, there are still moments that your decisions are based on how people will say or react, then that area is not deeply rooted or authentic yet. When you are deeply rooted, you become authentic. Authenticity is knowing your true self and honoring it through the way you live. I will explain further through real life stories.

I have a friend who is very clear about who and what she really is. But the conflicts in her life are still manifesting because she is not honoring her calling. All her life, she wanted to write fantasy stories and novels but after graduating from college, she pursued a job in human resource and psychology because it gives her money and security for her needs. She is almost authentic because she already knows her purpose, but not really authentic. Why? Because she does not honor her true calling which is to write fantasy stories.

My Experience:

Another example is my own story. I always consider myself as the best example of someone who did not honor her true calling for years. Similar to my friend, I also went through a “not-so-authentic” life because even if I knew that I really want to become a writer, I chose a different direction because I was told that there is no money in writing, and that I should finish a good degree to get a job that pays good.

But I always believe that if we will not give up searching for ways and try if it will work out, the universe will hear the cry of our spirit and it will give the provisions that we need in order to manifest our desires into reality. And that’s what happened to me. I did not give up. So here I am, writing for you, hoping that it will spark a little hope and motivation for you to think about your life, calling and authenticity. I am now a full pledge writer and helping others in their writings as well.

 

Being authentic to yourself and to the way you live life is powerful.

In coaching my students, the first thing I always try to know about them is their heart and soul for writing. This approach allows them to reflect on their lives, and eventually stimulates their awareness to dig deeper and ask themselves why they want to write. In doing this, clarity and truthfulness to their purpose and intention can be pulled off.

My Experience:

I was writing inconsistently for many years. I realized that the reason for my on and off relationship with writing is the lack of depth and awareness why I want to write. All I knew then was 'writing is my passion and it makes me happy'. When I learned to dig deeper by asking myself why I want to write, I realized that God gave me this gift not only to please my own soul but to be part of humanity’s greater good. I strongly believe that my works can give value to others. When I start perceiving writing on a deeper and soul-based sense, my purpose became much powerful. I felt more authentic than ever, committed, focused and disciplined in carrying out every work.

We are designed to live a joyful and in-of-service life. Now, my intentions for writing are deeply rooted and doing it makes me see that there is always more wonderful things to look ahead. At the same time, I get to serve as a channel of inspiration and guidance to others who also want to finish a book, build a blog or simply share bold opinions. Being authentic gives me power to:

1. Always sit in front of my laptop with excitement to write; and
2. Provide guidance and enlightenment to people who also want to embrace their callings as a writer.

 

Before ending this post, I want to encourage and help you to dig deeper, take time to reflect and ask the important questions:

1. Why do I want to write?
2. Am I authentic? Am I true to myself and to the way I live it?
3. (If not yet) What can I do to pursue authenticity?
4. Searching for my truth is not an easy process. Am I willing to take the challenges that will take me to where I truly want to be?

These are just some of the questions that you can start internalizing. It will really help if you will dedicate time and space to ponder your thoughts. It is also better if you write them in words, phrases or key points on a journal. If you feel like you need further help like one-on-one coaching sessions, e-mail me at ctbymadylene@gmail.com. I will be happy to help you connect with your authentic self, achieve clarity and direction in your writing life.