When we think of courage, we often think of people doing extraordinary things in dangerous situations. While that is certainly true, courage is also daring to follow your dreams, to face your fears and persevere.
Many of us (writers) are introverts by nature. We are most comfortable in smaller groups and quite content being alone. In fact, alone time isn’t just nice, it’s a necessity. We seek out an empty room, sit behind our computer and type our hearts out.
This is where courage comes in. Whether we are blogging or working on a novel, we have to release our words, our thoughts, and ideas to the world. We are literally exposing our inner-selves.
That is scary. There’s no invisible shield to protect us from the scrutiny of our readers. Unfortunately, some of those readers aren’t going to like what we have to say – and that’s okay. What’s important is our reaction. We must refuse to be intimidated. We must be tenacious. Writing is our art. It is the way we express ourselves. It is as important as the air we breathe.
dsmcknight.com 
Amazing. Thank you for this!
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You’ve really used your pictures in a beautiful way that enhances what your topic is. Great job!
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Thank you for putting into words something I’ve been feeling. I’m working on finding the courage I need to find the me inside the Mom, and writing is a big part of that.
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I know how you feel. Writing helped me find the “me” that I lost, too. It’s been challenging but worth it.
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I love the quote you included from Elbert Hubbard. And I agree, exposing yourself through any means is very vulnerable. But, at least, in some aspects choosing to expose yourself with words can be easier than doing so face-to-face.
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That quote was kind of the genesis for this post. Glad you liked it. Appreciate your visit and comments.
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I completely agree with you. Write from the heart, tell your stories and the right people who want to read them will. 😉
Also, it is hard to face up to the crowd and do this, so I understand and appreciate your post.
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Thanks. I think that is what we are all hoping – to connect with others.
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So true. I really put my into writing when I felt frustrated that my ideas where not being heard. I totally backed off from the situation and then started to bang them out and the people who were not listening would call and say ” We love your blog! WIll you come back.” and I said no thanks i’ll just keep on blogging. Nothing make me happier then my quiet writing time even if the cat becomes psycho.
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Writing time is like gold to me. It gives us an opportunity to voice our thoughts. Thanks for visiting and hoping your cat isn’t going too psycho. 😉
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Only when I write my blog .
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This is such a beautifully written post. As an introvert, I appreciate knowing there are other introverts out there expressing their art. I was scared to write for the longest time but like the quote you chose says, “To avoid criticism, do nothing, say nothing and be nothing”.
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Thanks so much. I’ve struggled with finding the courage to share – because no one wants to be ridiculed. But the more we share, the more confidence we gain.
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I could not have said it better even if I tried. This post moved me. I am comforted by being not alone with these fears.
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Thank you so much. Sometimes, it’s hard to remember that there are others struggling with the same problems. This blogging class has been a wonderful experience for me. I’m connecting with people like you and finding that we have a lot in common.
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That is the fun part that I really enjoy as well. Looking forward to read much more from you.
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Thank you, Deb. It takes thick skin to face up to criticism and also humility and a good sense of self to handle accolades. Sometimes someone telling you how great you are can be a scary thing. I think being a writer can be a lonely job.
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Compliments are always nice. But, it’s almost like an added pressure – because you feel like you have to live up to certain expectations.
Appreciate you stopping by and sharing your thoughts.
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I agree with your post. It does take a great amount of courage to open your heart to the world. I sometimes think I open up a bit too much, but that’s who I am. I guess it’s kind of like therapy to me.
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What’s worse? Sharing too much or not enough? 😖 I don’t know how many posts I’ve started only to delete them because I wasn’t willing to hit the send button.
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I’ve come to associate being a writer/artist/creator with vulnerability. Our message is often rooted in experiences and emotions. But, if the message is worth sharing, we somehow find a way to make it happen.
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I think your right. Our experiences seep into our work whether we mean for it to or not.
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Thank you for summing up this form of courage that “exposes” our inner being. Many times I have hesitated to share (either with someone or on my blog) those vulnerable places within myself. Almost without exception I received genuine responses of appreciation and deeper connections from/with the very ones I thought would think I was nuts, or at least quietly disappear into the periphery of my life, never to be heard from again. Please keep sharing your “golden nuggets” no matter how “scary.” Blessings, Alia
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Thanks for the encouragement, Alia!
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I am a bit of an extraverted introvert. I like going out from time to time but I have to have my alone time with my thought. When I do go out I am that girl in the corner observing everyone around me, perfectly content with sitting there. Love your post, thank you for your wonderful insight!
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Thanks so much! (BTW – I love “redhotwritinghood – it’s perfectly fun!)
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Thank you so much! Finding a name that fits you is a hard thing to do!
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Thanks so much!
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I see that writers have to put themselves out there. When you’re out in the open, in a world that has so much to say, some of it is not going to be pretty. I love how you summed it up. Courage and that inner need writers have to tell their stories is risky. But then again – people read it and if it makes them think and express themselves, we’ve done our job.
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You’re right. I love reading something that makes me think and in doing so, makes my world a little bigger.
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