Beyond Inked Page of Insecurities: Overcoming First-Time Writer Jitters

My first time at the first time.

Sam Letterwood
The First Time
3 min readOct 19, 2023

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Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash

In the quiet of my room, I sit, fingers hovering over the keyboard, my heart echoing each beat in the silence. Today is different, today I write for a publication for the very first time. Anxiety clenches my gut; will my words be enough? Will I meet the expectations that loom over me like ominous storm clouds?

Doubt wraps around my thoughts, like vines around a fragile sapling, threatening to strangle my confidence. The cursor blinks, mocking my hesitation-Hey buddy! what you got!

Can I really do this?

Taking a deep breath, I dive into the unknown, penning down the tumultuous sea of emotions inside me.

My mind races, thoughts colliding like stars in a galactic dance. Doubt and confidence wrestle within me. In this chaos, I find solace in the vulnerability of my words. For it’s in acknowledging our fears that we find the strength to overcome them. I question my abilities, dissecting each sentence with a critical eye. Does it convey the depth of my emotions? Will the readers feel what I feel?

The blank page stares back at me, a canvas of infinite possibilities and terrifying uncertainties.

I grapple with self-doubt, wondering if my words will resonate with anyone out there. But as ink meets paper, the words flow, weaving a tapestry of my soul. I realize, the beauty of writing lies not in perfection, but in raw authenticity. Each word, each sentence is a brushstroke, painting the portrait of my vulnerability. I wonder, could this vulnerability be my strength?

My insecurities echo in the chambers of my mind. Will they judge me? Will they understand the depth of my emotions?

Yet, I persist. With each word, I find courage amidst my fears. I realize, it’s not about being flawless, but about being real. In my vulnerability, I find my voice, a voice that resonates with the hearts of others who have stood at this precipice of self-doubt. Could it be, that by embracing my imperfections, I find my truest self?

As I pen down my fears, I realize I am not alone.

There’s a vast community out there, each person battling their own self-doubt and insecurities. In our shared vulnerability, we find strength. The readers, like me, have stood on the edge of uncertainty, questioning their worth. We are connected not by our successes, but by our failures, our doubts, and our ability to rise despite them. Could it be, that in sharing our vulnerabilities, we form a tapestry of human experiences?

With each word, I venture into uncharted territories within myself.

The pen becomes an extension of my heart, scribbling not just words, but my very essence onto the page. I realize, embracing imperfections is not a sign of weakness but of immense courage. It’s the cracks in our façade that let the light in, illuminating the beauty of our humanity. In this journey, I find freedom, for I’ve learned that it’s okay not to have all the answers. Could it be, that in our vulnerability, we discover the power to rewrite our own narratives?

As I conclude this heartfelt journey, I want to leave you with a question. Have you ever doubted yourself, felt the gnawing grip of anxiety, or questioned your abilities?

Remember, in these moments, you are not alone. Embrace your vulnerabilities, for they are the stepping stones toward growth and self-discovery.

“Vulnerability is not winning or losing; it’s having the courage to show up and be seen when we have no control over the outcome.”-Bene Brown

So take the leap, embrace your fears, and let your words paint the canvas of your soul. Embrace your imperfections, for they are the mosaic of your true self. Remember, in your doubts and fears, there lies immense courage waiting to be discovered.

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Sam Letterwood
The First Time

Science enthusiast, Knowledge seeker, Meditation and yoga practitioner, Life-long learner