Understanding the source of insecurity--IWSG Nov 2019

First, I have a tagline!

Why do we let insecurity creep into our lives?

We've all had moments when we were proud of our accomplishments no matter how small. Why do we forget that and worry about what other people think?

Let's consider this. Insecurity is uncertainty or anxiety about one's abilities--a lack of self-confidence. This is something we learn. Little kids don't have it. They believe they can do anything and go for it with all the energy and zeal their little bodies can hold. As we grow up, we become more concerned with how other people see us than what we know about ourselves.

It's sad really.

How can we combat that? It isn't easy, but with a little effort it is possible.

1. We have to stop apologizing for not being perfect. No one else is either, so get over it.
2. We have to stop thinking it's our job to make everyone else happy. That's their choice. We can be kind and encouraging, but ultimately the only person we can make happy is ourselves.
3. We have to stop comparing ourselves to others.
4. We have to remember that we are unique, and that means we have something only we can contribute to this world.
5. We have to understand that not everyone will appreciate or agree with our contribution. And that is OKAY.
6. If someone doesn't like me, it doesn't lessen the fact that I am a child of God. He loves me and that is enough.

There are probably more things we can add to this list, and knowing them won't stop those doubts from creeping in. However, remembering them in times of insecurity can lesson the length of the ailment and help us regain our self-confidence.

What would you like to add to this list? Tell me in the comments below.

In other news:

• Both of the audiobooks I had in production wrapped up this week. They should be live and available by Thanksgiving.
• I'm tackling Nano, sort of. I'll be working on two novels at once--Talia's third book (Demon Rising), and a romance called Discovering Her Heart.
• My son is playing the lead in his high school play, and I'm so excited for him
• We're having a great experience with our exchange student

I have also created a Patreon account. If you've never heard of Patreon, it's a place where you subscribe to artists of various types. Your monthly subscription gives the artist a set income they can use to do things like pay for an editor, buy cover art, and hire an amazing audio narrator. In return, you receive exclusive materials from them.

I'll be posting early scenes from works in progress, deleted scenes, scenes from an alternate point of view, video clips, deals and freebies no one else will know about, etc. I also plan to start a podcast for my patreon subscribers talking about everything from writing, reading, travel, movies, and life in general. The best part is since I'm new at this, my early subscribers will be the ones to shape what my channel looks like for as little as $1 a month. For instance, Monday morning I posted a highly embarrassing bedhead photo of me as I sat to do a writing sprint at 7 am.

Check it out and consider subscribing! 

Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!

Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writers.

Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!

Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.