I wanted to write stories.

“But you’re not a writer,” the voice inside my head was quick to point out.

I hoped to share tales of the goodness I’d seen in the troubled kids I once taught.

“Don’t you remember what I told you?” my sensible mind whispered. “You are no writer.”

I wanted to help spread love in the world. I longed to speak of our shared oneness. I yearned to help people find connections with one another.

But my internal chatterbox wouldn’t let it alone. “Seriously? Who are you to consider doing such things? You are certainly no expert.”

This tug of war between my heart’s desire and my ego continued for years. Based on most of my past experiences, any bets on the outcome would have favored my mind. Uncomfortable with taking risks, I almost always heeded the words of my ego and settled for playing it safe.

For some reason, however, this time it was different. This time my heart dug in and refused to submit.

I began to write but continued to declare, “I am not a writer.” I attended a writers’ retreat and found myself among a group of seasoned, highly skilled writers. I was in awe of their talent. Once again I confessed to the group, “I want to write, but I’m not a writer.”

The facilitator of the retreat, a writing instructor who is also a published author, gave me new perspective. She said simply, “If you write, you are a writer.” When she admitted her own initial fear and misgivings about laying claim to the title, it gave me pause.

Gradually hope began to stir, and I found myself envisioning new possibilities. The more I focused on my desire to share through writing, the more my ego’s negative voice quieted.

I continued slowly inching forward and eventually went public with my blog, Gather the Good. It was just one year ago. Although I started out quite timidly, the last 12 months provided me with growth I could not have imagined.

I find myself settling more comfortably into the writing process. Fear and doubt are fading as I continue to find my voice. Through it all, I’ve come to know myself more clearly. Pushing through my tendency toward shyness, I’m gaining confidence as I share who I am and what I’m about.

This writing endeavor has lead to other unexpected amazing results. Through it I’ve reconnected with friends from long ago, and I’ve made some new friends too. I’m thrilled to have discovered so many loving souls eager to support one another. The examples of their lives inspire me in countless ways.

Taking action to write this blog is one time I ignored my negative ego and said “yes” to my heart instead. And because of that decision, I’m able to celebrate the growth and the joy I’ve experienced.

The part of my mind that professes to want to protect me, in reality, often holds me back from the richness of life. Realizing that, I suppose I could groan and lament many opportunities for “wonderful” I’ve missed out on.

But I won’t dwell on that.

Instead, I strive to linger in the magnificence of this precious moment. I try to savor all the beauty and the goodness around me and to share it all with others.

And in the future, when I sense a tugging at my heart—especially when it calls me out of my comfort zone—I’m going to remember this experience. I’m going to challenge that negative voice in my head, and I’m going to choose the path of the heart.

Happy birthday, Gather the Good! Thank you for all the gifts you’ve given me.