Lots to Learn: NOT Discouragement

Keep writing. Lots to learn!

This was a comment at the end of an email from the mentor I had gained through a literary intensive seminar. At first, the perfectionist in me (and my ego) took it as a blow. What does she mean "lots to learn?" Does my writing stink? Am I terrible at this? Should I even bother?

As a writer, a teacher, and a mom, Imposter Syndrome hits me on multiple levels.

Thankfully, this time, the still and quiet voice that never leads me astray told me not to believe those lies.

The directive to keep writing and the note that I had a lot to learn was not meant to be a discouraging or disparaging remark to drive me into disappointment.

It was a gentle push into humility.

Every endeavor that we take on must include a posture of humility, an understanding that we do not know it all, and a sense of piety that causes us to respect and listen to those who have walked the path before us.

I knew that I had needed to go into that seminar with such an attitude, and I was more than happy to soak in every bit of advice and recommendations from my mentor, who was not only a literary agent, but an author herself.

I knew that I would likely have to edit and even cut scenes and dialogue that I loved from my manuscript.

I knew that allowing people to actually read my writing meant opening myself up to criticism from people who were trying to help, and ultimately some heartache, because no matter how much we tell ourselves that criticism is necessary and not personal, it is somehow very personal.

What I didn't know was that a phrase that I constantly applied to my students and my own children needed to be applied to ME.

"You're not finished yet."

None of us are 'finished' yet. If we're still on this earth, there is still room for growth, still something left for us to learn. And I had forgotten that.

In my rush and desire to be a published author, I had completely overlooked that I was at the beginning of that journey, and that I had lots to learn. I needed an encouraging invitation into the land of humility, because while telling someone that they have a lot to learn does connotate a lacking, what it's ultimately saying is you're on the right path and that you shouldn't give up.

You're not there yet, but you are on your way.

And I'm excited to take off.