WW: Are Your Values Behind Your Writing?

Writing has always been my passion. Putting a pen to paper releases endorphins for me. The best part is that I enjoy writing just about anything — fiction, nonfiction, technical pieces, news, press releases, poems, rants, book reviews — you name it. So if I have such a love for it, what has been keeping me and my writing at arm’s length?

Let’s take a step back and consider what it was that fueled me to write.

I came out of high school wanting to go to college to learn how to be a better writer, particularly a better journalist. I emerged from college with my first job as a local newspaper reporter and I enjoyed every minute of it, regardless of complaints of long hours and low pay. After finding a new job in the public relations field, I realized I still wasn’t satisfied. Sure, I was writing; but, I wasn’t passionate about any of it. I wanted, and needed, to feel like my work was meaningful and making a real impact on the people of Cleveland.

I found myself in journalism again, but my passion for writing had been turned into a daily regurgitation of police reports and press releases. I was keeping the people of Cleveland informed, but I wasn’t – and definitely wasn’t going to have an opportunity – to make a larger impact than that. My passion wavered and I honestly believe I became complaisant. The fire was dying faster than I could realize. Whether I knew it deep down or not, I needed a change.

I’m happy to say that I finally made it to where I want, or maybe I should say needed, to be. I am back to writing pieces with passion because I am able to insert my creativity and expressiveness. And, somehow, I found an organization that allows me to express my creativity, write and make a documented and proven impact on the youth of Greater Cleveland.

I share this because I started writing my novel six or more years ago and I feel like I was writing about my life journey before I even knew it. And yes, I have a lot of life left to go, but I can finally say I feel I am on the right path. And that is what my novel is all about – a woman stumbling upon something that helps her find her way. She wasn’t truly looking for it, or was she? I’m not even sure I know the answer yet. But what I can say is that the ebbs and flows in my career path thus far have put the fuel back in my passion to write. Now my issue is two small children, being a workaholic because I enjoy my work so much, and my contemptuous affair with procrastination.

But here’s the thing. Where I am now in my life is helping me get back to…that me I was six years ago. Eager and ready to put pen to paper. And today I stand to believe that the rollercoaster ride I’ve been on is exactly what is supposed to happen with your life. And I have no idea what will come next, but I have a far better mindset to tackle it now than I ever have before.

I take my writing seriously but I’m also enjoying it again. It’s because the things I value most are represented prominently in my life: family, meaningful work, creativity, compassion, integrity, and determination.

If you ever feel like you are losing your passion or losing yourself in what you’re doing in your life, remember what you value most and make sure that is what is fueling your daily activities — especially your writing.  

Faith Larraine Boone is a marketing expert who has a passion for helping young leaders. She’s a freelance writer and graphic designer currently seeking extra projects. You can learn more about her by visiting her website, as well as following her on Twitter or Facebook.