After a morning of cleaning and grocery shopping, I sat on my couch and stared at the wall of family pictures. My two kids and husband looked back at me from the textured farmhouse frames. It was my second full month at home after working full-time for the last 6 years. Surrounded by the comforting chaos of books, toys, craft materials and board games, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I had something important to share about this transition.
I wanted to connect with other mothers who also chose to trade time cards for time at home. It took time for me to embrace full-time domestic life, and now I needed an outlet to express what I was learning. I knew I had a unique perspective to offer. One afternoon, I Googled “What is blogging?” and the internet was happy to oblige. Within an afternoon I was connected to WordPress and ready to write. But with each attempt to let the words loose on my keyboard, a wave of doubt washed over me. What if my words were dismissed or, worse yet, met with silence?
This struggle is all too familiar for writers, especially those grappling with the fear of exposing their innermost thoughts online. The shame of vulnerability, the pressure to please, and the fear of being perceived as self-serving can be overwhelming. I’ve been there, doubting the relevance of my voice and fearing the judgment of others.
The Shame of Exposing Thoughts Online
The fear of laying bare one’s vulnerabilities for the world to see is a formidable barrier for many writers. I vividly recall the knots in my stomach as I hovered over the “publish” button, wondering if I was making a mistake. What if my words were met with criticism or, worse yet, indifference? Why did I care so much about what people thought? Who was I writing for anyway? The fear of rejection, of having our deepest truths invalidated, can be paralyzing.
In a digital age dominated by carefully curated personas, the pressure to maintain a flawless image only exacerbates this fear. We’re conditioned to present only the polished highlights of our lives, concealing the messy, imperfect truths beneath the surface. This pressure to conform to an idealized version of ourselves can leave us feeling isolated and disconnected from our authentic selves.
If you’re a writer with thoughts to share, please don’t let the fear of potential criticism hold you back! Please start with a messy first draft (and I promise you, it will be messy… and probably too many thoughts at first just like mine). But you must take a brave first step to start.
The People-Pleasing Paradox
As writers, we’re often torn between staying true to our authentic voice and succumbing to the temptation to please everyone. I, too, found myself grappling with the desire to cater to others’ expectations, to mold my words into a palatable narrative that wouldn’t ruffle feathers or rock the boat. But in doing so, I realized I was betraying myself, sacrificing the raw authenticity that makes writing truly impactful. I remember asking other moms “What do you think I should write about? What will other moms want to know?” To which most replied, “I don’t know, write whatever is on your heart, Jenn!” Uggh, so not helpful to this girl who was used to writing as an assignment.
Maybe that’s one of the first barriers to remove in your mind: you might be called to write, but stop thinking about it as an assignment. Discover your WHY. Why do you want to write and who are you hoping to help, encourage, inspire, or educate?
The fear of alienating or offending others can lead us down a perilous path of self-censorship, diluting the potency of our message in the process. But the truth is, our most authentic and resonant writing emerges when we embrace our unique perspective, unapologetically and unabashedly. My writing coach told me once: “You can’t write honestly when you keep censoring yourself.”
Writing as Healing: Nurturing Identity Through Expression
Despite the daunting challenges we face as writers, there’s a profound healing power in the act of sharing our stories. I’ve experienced firsthand how writing can be a cathartic outlet for processing emotions, confronting insecurities, and reaffirming our identity. Each word becomes a stepping stone on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment.
When we summon the courage to share our vulnerabilities with the world, we create connections that transcend distance and difference. Our stories become a beacon of hope for others who resonate with our experiences, forging bonds of empathy and understanding in a fractured world.
Once I reflected on who I was as a person, my first blogging website was given a name: Practical Family. I’m a practical gal, after all, and I don’t like to beat around the bush, talking about meaningless things, or convince you to buy things you don’t need. Yes, my writing would be focused around the need-to-know things about family life. That was in 2026, and PracticalFamily.org is still alive and well today, imperfectly complete with podcast, courses, and personal coaching.
Through many years of trial and error, I see now that the first messy draft was an important step in the direction of building confidence and believing that my story and words mattered. Yours does, too.
The Beauty of Graphic Art: Amplifying Authenticity
In the digital landscape, graphic art serves as a powerful medium for amplifying our authentic voice. As a blogger-turned graphic designer and web developer, I’ve witnessed how the right design can elevate a message, evoking emotions and sparking conversations in ways that words alone cannot. Through thoughtful branding and design, we can authentically represent ourselves online, attracting an audience that resonates with our unique perspective.
Eight years later, I sit here as a digital consultant – passionate about helping writers like you navigate the complexities of the online world. Together, we can craft a personal brand that authentically reflects your voice and values, empowering you to share your message with confidence and clarity.
Embrace Your Authentic Voice Today
If you’re a writer struggling to overcome the fear of sharing your voice online, know that you’re not alone. Embracing vulnerability is a courageous act that can transform your writing journey and empower you to connect with your audience on a deeper level.
I invite you to book a free 30-minute session with me to discuss your personal brand and design a website that is uniquely you. Let’s embark on this journey together, embracing our vulnerabilities and sharing our stories with the world. Because when we dare to be vulnerable, we create space for connection, healing, and growth.
You have something to say, so let me help you share it with the world.