Today, my therapist asked me what my perfectionist nature thinks a perfect life looks like. I told her:

1. Lose 40 pounds.
2. Finish my degree (I'm only 30 hours away).
3. Get a real job, with benefits.
4. Buy a bigger house.
5. Sell the hoopty and get a new car.

1/11

"Wait," she said, "Why do you need a real job?"

I told her about the pain in the ass of having no health insurance. I told her how I was at my parents' the other day when my dad said to me, "Maybe this is the year you'll get a real job."

2/11

My job as a writer has lead to being published in USA Today. Because I started writing, I've had international speaking engagements, coaching opportunities, work as an editor, and I just signed contracts to write two new books this year. I own my own home and have a 401k.

3/11

But maybe one day, I'll get a real job.

Well, what if this is a real job?

Anyone can go to school and work a 9-5. Anyone can follow the rules, do what the boss expects, and perhaps climb the ladder a few times. But do you know what not just anyone can do? Write a book.

4/11

Not just anyone can do it because not just anyone is willing to be vulnerable in a world where everyone is a critic. Not just anyone can do the deep soul work required to bleed on paper, pausing to cry, scream, or add an extra therapy session.

5/11

Not just anyone has the courage to show up and be seen by strangers. And not just anyone has the talent (even if that's only a tiny piece of the puzzle).

6/11

I'm a writer because I've lived through trauma.
I'm a writer because I've graduated with a Ph.D. from The School of Hard Knocks.
I'm a writer because I refuse to let my shame or secrets destroy me.
I'm a writer because, as my mama used to say, "can't never could."

7/11

I'm a writer because my grandaddy was a writer, and his blood still courses through my veins.
I'm a writer because it's my therapy, and God knows I need all the therapy I can get.

8/11

I'm a writer because storytelling saves lives, and after nearly losing my life, I'm determined to tell my story to anyone who will listen.

9/11

So, no, I may not clock in like a traditional worker.
I may not have taxes cut or receive health insurance.

But my job is 'realer than real' because the life of a writer is a calling, not an occupation.

I'm a writer because I can't stop writing.

10/11

I'm a writer because I want this "brief candle" of a life to count for something.

I'm a writer. And that's realer than real.

Hey #writingcommunity - what's your #imawriterbecause story?

11/11