Eclipse Epiphany

Why Everyone Should Write

"Because everyone is full of ideas they're not aware of. Gut feelings. Intuition.

"Writing crystallizes ideas in a way thinking on its own will never accomplish."

Thank you, Morgan Housel @2017, for inspiring my first blog post in 7 months!

I won't lie. It's been a stressful, emotional, hard-to-divulge-the-truth time period.

I haven't had the heart or patience or confidence to put it all down in print.

These last 7 months encompassed two college graduations (happy, fun, expensive)...a super quick trip to Barcelona and Italy (deliriously reinvigorating, can cry just thinking about it)...the NBA Draft (oh my gosh...can I just tell you...that was the most stressful, emotionally heavy event of my life...which, thank the dear Lord, ended wonderfully. Thank you, Jesus!); moving --twice; and helping my daughter navigate her future (still a work in progress but why I believe was put on this earth!).

The bad news: these 7 months also included saying goodbye and hello to so many precious people, my heart has exploded and imploded at least a dozen times.

The good news: it has brought me here, to a new revelation.

I am, like Mufasa said to Simba, remembering who I am--giving myself permission to put my guard down, and stop hiding or stuffing my emotions.

For almost 3 years, I've been playing a bit of a role. 

I've felt forced to keep so much inside because I've been the newcomer....plus, I wanted to protect my son's private ups and downs/perceived demands and expectations.

I have juggled some "unique" personalities at work, while working to develop new skills and hone others.

I've felt the need to "blend in" and not step on toes, while still trying to be my bold, emotional self who often feels the stories I report. 

(As someone given a double dose of empathy, this can be a tricky task.)

One of News 4 reporter Terry Bulger's eclipse stories this week, encourages us to use this once-in-a-lifetime event as a second chance at a New Years Resolution.

Mine? 

I want to start sharing my heart again. My challenges and insecurities and questions and love...in a professional yet personal way.

The stuff that connects us to each other as women. As friends. As parents. As humans.

I need more honesty and laughter and connection in my life. 

And I need to write more.

When's the last time you poured your heart onto paper?

Perhaps the eclipse will inspire you, too. 

--Tracy