This guest post is by Miriam Nicholson. A regular practicer at The Write Practice, Miriam is a dreamer, a trombonist, a vocalist, a Brandon Mull addict, and an avid reader. To see more of her writing, just check the comments section of a recent post. Thanks for joining us today, Miriam!

Have you ever experienced the pains of being bullied? Did you cry for hours like I did? Did you feel you’d never rise again? If so you’re self-esteem and confidence has been damaged. You don’t feel like you’re good enough. I’m here to tell you that you’re wrong.

Our Doubts Are Traitors, Shakespeare Quote

You may not have been bullied in your childhood but everyone seems to have these experiences of self-doubt. Your self-doubts might sound like:

  • Can I really do this? I don't think I can.
  • What if it isn’t good enough?
  • I’m not as good as so and so. How can I expect to be a writer?

Sound familiar?

Why does this simple little thing called self-doubt do so much damage? One thought could stop you writing for ages. You hold back or, worse, stop writing altogether. How could you possibly compete to all those writers? You’re just you.

What Self-Doubt Did To Me

 “Our doubts are traitors, and make us lose the good we might oft win by fearing to attempt.” —William Shakespeare, Measure for Measure. (Act 1 Scene IV)

When I was in sixth grade, I was confident that I could take on the world. It was at this point in my life that I went through one of the toughest times of my life.

Bullying.

It started small and grew and grew until almost everyone participated in my torment. I was the ugliest girl in sixth grade, so they told me.

I didn’t want to believe them at the time but the words stung and sunk into my heart. What if they’re right? I’d often think. How could my messy mop of hair be pretty?

I thought by seventh grade it would stop. It didn’t. If anything it continued with more intensity.

This seed of self-doubt was growing like at twisted plant of morning glory, stifling my confidence and choking out my creativity.

I became introverted, shy, and didn’t think anyone would want to listen to my voice. When the bullying finally did stop, I was left afraid of everyone. What if they pushed me down too? What if they notice something wrong and start the whole matter up again?

What Can You Do to Battle Self-Doubt?

Then I found my friends, a writing group that was requiring people for the club at my high school. They changed my life and made me feel like I was worth something. They brought me back stronger than I was before.

Believe in yourself. You ARE worth more than you think. You are special and you will make a difference in the world.

You may think the world doesn't need another writer. I’m here to tell you they do. We need your talent. You have something to offer the world that only you can do.

What to Do When Self-Doubt Strikes

Here are four phrases I tell myself when I am struck with this self-doubt.

  • “I am a strong confidant human being.”
  • “I make a difference.”
  • “Nobody can make me feel like a nothing unless I let them,”
  • “I make mistakes but I can and will overcome them.”

Have you ever had feelings of self-doubt? How did you overcome them?

PRACTICE

For fifteen minutes write some of your doubts and fears and how you plan on overcoming them.

And if you comment please be sure to comment on others as well.

This article is by a guest blogger. Would you like to write for The Write Practice? Check out our guest post guidelines.

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