I’ve dreamt of writing a book my whole life. Even before I knew how to write I would dictate stories to my dad to put down onto paper for me. I wanted more than anything to be an author. However, as the years went by, I got distracted from my dream and eventually started to doubt I was even capable of writing a book.

I made multiple attempts to start a book, but there was always something that got in the way- writer’s block, my inner critic, or other competing priorities, to name a few. On multiple occasions, I even decided I’d only tricked myself into thinking I wanted to write a book. I’d say to myself, “Can’t I just be happy with the other things I’ve accomplished?” and I’d distract myself for a while with another project.

A couple of years ago I started working with a book coach and finally made headway on bringing my dream of writing a book to life.

I initially considered writing a self-help book (it seems like the obvious choice amongst small business owners these days), but I knew deep down that I needed to write my own story. It’s not very common for people trained as therapists to divulge the details of their own lives. We’re more in the business of safekeeping others’ secrets rather than sharing our own.

However, the reason I was first attracted to the field of mental health was because of my own struggles with anxiety, depression, and an eating disorder. During some of my most difficult moments in life, I have found my way forward by promising myself that once I got through it I would one day make meaning out of my suffering by sharing my story.