Using My Life As Inspiration

Image by Jan Tinneberg

How I use aspects of my life in storytelling

When it comes to looking for inspiration, I rarely try to write about myself. I’m introverted by heart, and any attention, especially in public places, has me wanting to flee to the closest exit. It wasn’t until I became a paid storyteller last year that I’ve begun to open up more and let other people in my life. Whether writing about adoption, my twin sister, my mental health issues, struggling with being a writer, parenthood, or anything I feel like writing about, I try to write optimistically.

Life hasn’t always been easy for me, and I was always labeled as the sweet but quiet girl with her head in notebooks. The things I could never bring myself to utter aloud always found themselves in expressive poetry, short stories, song lyrics, and essays.

Ten or so years ago, as a senior in high school, I went through a very depressive episode. My writings have literally saved my life. When I showed my work to my English teacher, I was labeled a “brilliant writer.” At the time, I didn’t take writing as seriously as I should’ve, and my high school self has inspired me to become the best writer that I can be today and into the future.

It wasn’t until 3 years ago that I decided to share my poetry in front of a public audience. I used my twin as my inspiration and went to my local spoken word location to recite it. On the inside was terrified but remained confident on the outside. I received positive feedback, and it felt really great to overcome one of my biggest fears and feel inspired and confident to speak clearly in front of others.

I’ve been a storyteller for Adoption.com for over a year now, and I love writing inspiring and uplifting articles. I’ve even written a bit about my own adoption story and wrote about being a caregiver as well. The people in my life have been a significant source of inspiration, and the things I could write about are endless. One day, I’d like to make a living as a content writer while being there for my children and completely following my lifelong dream.

I hope anyone who’s going through a hard time in life finds a glimmer of hope in my words. Things will get better eventually, and you have many people in your life who love that you’re here and need to read or hear the words you have to say. Find inspiration in your daily life to help with your creativity. You’d be surprised at how much it makes a difference.

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Using My Life As Inspiration was originally published in CRY Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.