writing and photo by Christine Poole 05.03.2024

I’ve been keeping (almost) daily journals since 24th March 2016 (wow 8 years, look at them all beautifully stacked up!). But I’ve always lacked the courage to say out loud…..I am a writer!

Words and books hold a place dear to my heart and I’ve wanted to be a published writer for as long as I can remember. I have a desire to share my thoughts and stories with others, and I’ve been putting in the hours on a daily basis to hone my craft. Writing for me has been a meditative practice, a way to understand myself, to watch where my thoughts go. Reading my diaries is a reflective practice into the journey of who I was eight years ago and how far I have come.

This year, I’m tying to be clear about setting my writing goals and intentions, both powerful tools for personal development and success. Goals provide direction, while intentions infuse our actions with purpose and passion. Setting intentions can be incredibly beneficial and can lead to improved mental health as it encourages mindfulness and a focus on the present moment, it helps cultivate a positive and proactive mindset, allows me to have accountability for the choices I make, and how I choose to spend my time. Setting intentions is the starting point of every dream. By taking this brave step to proclaim …. I AM A WRITER… I am setting my intention for 2024 and making a commitment to my writing practice.

Even now as I finish this post, I’m filled with self doubt. Is it ok to call myself a writer? And if not now, when? Nervous to publish this blog, I went downstairs and while I was cooking dinner (meatballs and spaghetti) I said to Eddie (my husband) and Oisín (my son) ‘I’m still reluctant to say I am a writer, I don’t know how to do it.’

My son’s advice, as always, easy and simple……’just click post, and walk away‘…….that I can do.

I am a writer!