i AM a writer.

The other day as I was scrolling through the RSS feed of my favorite blogs, I came across two separate posts.  They were posted the exact same day, not even an hour apart.  They were written by two different women who are both professional writers.  I often enjoy their opinions and advice given on family, marriage, and motherhood - subjects I frequently write about as well.

The first woman wrote about how she loved writing, and started freelance and professional work to get her name out there - a way to be "more than just a mother."  She talked about how it became almost like a burden because it was now a job instead of just a hobby.  I'll admit that it scared me because I was very recently hired to write - making my hobby an actual job.  I didn't want to lose my passion.

The second woman wrote about how she had been writing for years professionally, but never considered herself a "writer."  Even though she gets paid, she said she feels like an impostor.  The best part of this post was her exclamation that, "I am a writer!"  I had to laugh as I read this because I can totally and completely relate to those feelings. 

As I read these posts, I felt like I had arrived at a fork in the road.  Yes, my hobby is now a job.  But it doesn't have to be a burden.  I have been reflecting on the reasons I write.  It's not to get my name out there.  And it most definitely is not to become "more than just a mother."  I realized that the reason I love to write is for the hope that I can inspire someone.  If my words help to brighten another's day or let them know that they're not alone, then I have certainly succeeded.

I decided to follow the second woman's path.  I am so incredibly happy to be getting paid to do something I love; to fulfill one of my greatest passions.  And I am here to joyfully admit that "I am a writer!"