I penciled my first book over the course of one summer, fresh out of 3rd grade. I wrote, illustrated, and self-published (read: stapled) a fictional narrative about the trials and tribulations of a young gymnast, because writing is what I did while I waited to qualify for the next USA Olympic gymnastics team.
It turns out, the whole professional gymnast thing didn’t stick, but the writing thing did—which really works out in my favor because I never did rock the leotard look.
Now, here I am, on my own little piece of the internet. I have staked a claim, stamped it with my name, and am pinky promising myself that whatever I create on my personalized slice of the World Wide Web will always be honest and unapologetically true to who I am.
To start, “who I am” is a Chicagoland-native, brief Seattleite, and, now, a new Ohioan. I married the love of my life, Darren, in a gorgeous ceremony in late August of 2015. I lived in Australia for two years, I have three super sweet nephews, and I try to walk to as many places as possible because I believe I am the worst version of myself when I am behind the wheel. I received my master’s degree in Theology & Culture from The Seattle School of Theology & Psychology. To those who have asked, “What do you want to do with your life?”—welcome to my answer.
What can you expect to find here (besides my pinky-promised honesty)? I’m not totally sure. The truth is, I’m pretty afraid. What if I run out of things to write about? What if I never even run into things to write about? What if I suck at writing? What if you don’t like me? What if the internet is just a fad that soon dies? WHAT IF I KILL THE INTERNET?
You see where this is going. It’s nowhere helpful.
So I know that I am afraid. But I also know that I have stories worth telling (And you absolutely do, too.). Our stories are the same because they are laced with fear, success, doubt, heartache, humor, and surprise. But they are different, each of our experiences unique to our own lives. Maybe we can learn from one another’s stories; maybe hearing yours will draw me deeper into my own.
It is because of my immovable belief that the telling of our stories can better us, teach us, and connect us that gives me the fortitude to share my own, however seemingly trivial or significant they are, because each one can shape me and teach us.
So, I will write here. And I bet it’ll be more fun if you’re here, too.
Grab something tasty, get comfortable, and let’s do some life together. Computer screens and miles and time zones may be between us, but our stories connect us. And don’t we all need a little connection?