Until last fall, I always claimed I loved to write, but I rarely sat down to actually do so. Aside from assessment reports for work, I had not picked up a pen (so to speak) to really write since college. And even then, I wasn’t writing for myself; I was responding to professors’ prompts.
In part, this is because I thought I had no stories to tell. Which is, obviously, not the case. We all have stories to tell; we only have to look for them.
Sharing about dating is fun, but it’s more than that for me – it’s a process of desensitization. I can expose myself here, telling stories about rejection and attraction that I previously felt too ashamed to share. This project has also been desensitizing because it necessitates that I work through all the negative self-talk. The self-talk is loud and forceful—it comes in large waves that sometimes threaten to pull me under. You are so self-indulgent. Who do you think you are? People are judging you. The more I practice compassionately denying that voice, the gentler and more infrequent those waves become.
One way in which I hope for this space to grow and change is by welcoming others’ voices. Do you have a story to tell? (Trick question: the answer is “Yes.” The better question is: “Do you have a story begging to be told?”) Is there something you’ve been wanting to share with the world, and you’re feeling afraid to do so? I would love to listen. And, if you feel compelled, I would love to help you share it, whether that means cheerleading or offering this tiny platform or helping you to write/illustrate it.
I am particularly interested in stories of love and loss, rejection and shame, coming of age, expectations, mental health, body image, motherhood and birth, infertility, disability, and social justice. They can be funny or sad, heartwarming or heartbreaking. And, ideally, I would love to highlight voices from all different walks of life.
So, what do you want the world to know about you?
Everyone is welcome. Thank you for being here.
xo,
Allie
P.S. You can fill out the contact form or email me at becomingallie@gmail.com if you’re interested! 🙂
