Brave Enough to Enter the Arena

Early this year, I gained momentum with my writing and published many stories on my blog. I felt good about finally pursuing my lifelong dream of sharing my writing; my personal stories and perspectives. I was energized by many messages and comments from people about how my writing touched them in a profound way and made a difference for them.

Then, self defeating thoughts crept in and stifled my progress. What do people think of me? Am I being too vulnerable? Who am I to be sharing personal perspectives and experiences when I still don’t have all my own answers? And the list goes on...

In the past few months, I thought about my blog every day and published nothing. I’ve had beautiful stories written in my mind that didn’t make it to paper. I’ve kicked my ass about making a commitment to myself and not following through.

Tonight, I stumbled across Brene Brown talking about how we focus on the crtics in our metaphorical ‘arena’. She reminded me there will always be shame, scarcity and comparison occupying seats when we are brave enough to enter the “arena” and be vulnerable. She also shared this quote by Theodore Roosevelt:

“Its not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again, because there is no effort without error or shortcoming, but who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself for a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly….”

As I heard the quote, I felt the flame of my desire to write reignite within me. I may not become a best selling author, I may not inspire millions to be courageous and follow their dreams, I may not always feel brave enough to share my most vulnerable stories. Then again, I might! I won’t know unless I dare greatly and enter the arena, I must show up even if critics, shame, scarcity and comparison occupy the seats as I bear my soul.

Some of my writing is very raw, written in moments of struggle. I've hesitated to share these pieces because I don’t want to appear weak, or be judged. This is ironic because my favorite writers share their deepest secrets with millions which is what connects them to readers and makes them so inspirational. Clearly I'm not the only human who struggles with intense emotions and encounters obstacles, doubts and fears.

I must dare greatly. We all must, don't you think? We are given this precious life to pursue our dreams, share our gifts, and connect with one another. As someone once said to me, “We are all just here to walk each other home.” While I'm here I want to be brave enough to explore the whole arena.