I have always had the voice.
The one that tells me someone else is a better mother, a better wife, a better writer.
This voice and I have daily wrestling matches but lately I’m determined to win a match or two.
Rational me knows there is no “best” anything. Comparing my Chinese take-out with your soufflé will only leave me poking chop sticks at my inadequacy.
Which brings me to today, or maybe last month, when I pinned down the voice that told me my writing was not as lyrical as yours, not as grammatically correct as hers, not as uplifting as his. I wrote and edited and chose the places that I would most like to see my words and started submitting with my heart instead of my self-deprecating mind.
I am not one to normally announce my birthday but today it is and I have received a present that I would like to unwrap and lift up and maybe hold up and admire all day long.
My words are published at Mamalode today.
Wish granted.
Candles out.
Please, please, please visit me there and take a piece of the message I was given the opportunity to share.
Take that voice in my head.
You might also like...
Comments
Powered by Facebook Comments
I'm Jessica, 30-something mom to five, four in my arms and one in my heart.
Happy Birthday beautiful friend!
Alison recently posted..Great Expectations
Happy Birthday and Congrats!
Jaime recently posted..The Mom (or Dad) Guilt
Happy Birthday!
Barbara recently posted..Noah 9 months
Twitter: babspinfrance
Happy birthday, you beautiful soul. My heart aches for your loss yet it sings at the words you write. Ever hopeful that the pain will eventually subside. Thinking of you today.
Teri
Snarkfest
Teri recently posted..Liebster Award! For me!?
Yay! That’s so exciting, and good for you for submitting with an open heart.
Happy birthday
Robin @ Farewell, Stranger recently posted..First Day of School Nerves
Twitter: FarewellStrangr
Happy Happy Birthday!
On my way over there. And yes, that voice, I struggle with it every day. Some days it wins and some days it doesn’t.
christine recently posted..Welcome to My Mind
Twitter: anditislove
Happy Birthday! <3
Happy Birthday! I made my way here via Mamalode. Your piece on Mamalode was perfect, and beautiful and such a reminder to be grateful. Thank you for sharing.
Happy happy birthday! Going to go check out the link but before I do I have to tell you that you are the best mother and writer!!
Wonderful..
and Happy Birthday.
Jenni Chiu recently posted..Reckless Baby.
Twitter: MommyNaniBooboo
Happy birthday and congratulations to a woman who has an amazing voice and a great gift to share.
L.McG.-E. recently posted..Hugs and snuffles
Twitter: LMcGE
I’m so happy for you. So well deserved. Happiest Birthday to the woman who can actually speak to my soul and move me like no one else’s words have done before.
Tayarra recently posted..I’m Pumped!
Twitter: tsharp12
Exactly, right?
I don’t know if all struggle with lack of belief. Maybe some know they’re the bomb diggety.
But I know that we all have OUR voice.
Not as flowery as others.
Not as degreed.
Not as obscure, as opaque, as transcendental.
But it’s OUR voice.
And by sharing, we hope so hard, that someone finds shelter from the storm.
Congrats.
OF COURSE, i’m on my way.
xo
Happy Birthday, lady.
Alexandra recently posted..DARE
Just found you through mamalode & am so glad I did! Beautiful piece.
I too have that voice… and a dream to publish my writing… congratulations to you on that dream achieved. We are all the better for reading your words.
Wishing you a very happy birthday!
Cheers,
Kate
You did it beautifully; I don’t need to share. That kind of truth goes viral all on its own. xo.
anymommy recently posted..Tweasure it
Happy Birthday! And congrats
Can’t wait to see what you’ve shared! Put that voice away and enjoy your special day!!
hilljean recently posted..Happy Birthday, And Thanks For The Burnt Crotch
Isn’t it funny how we can recognize and nurture everyone’s voice but our own. Glad you are taming your inner voice, and sharing your outer voice. Beautiful writing as always and a BIG BIRTHDAY congrats on Momalode
I was blown away by your piece on Mamalode today. I also have that voice and find it difficult to quiet at times. Thanks for the wonderful reminder. And Happy Birthday to You!
what a beautiful little piece over at mamlode.
Loved your words. Loved them. Thanks for sharing so honestly. YES!!
Happy Birthday Jessica! Thanks for the awesome blog posts and heart warming stories. If it makes you feel good, I’d say the voice is jealous.
You are such a wonderful mom Jessica. i just finished reading the birthday present, its so amazing..!
xo
I’m glad your words were featured there. They are lovely, as are you!
I found you via Mamalode and just wanted to stop by to say hello.
I also wanted to thank you for sharing that beautiful post. Your words made me cry, they made me reflect, and they reminded me to never stop looking for the beauty and joy in life.
I hope you had a lovely birthday!
Kathleen recently posted..Happy Anniversary to Us, Blog!
Well Happy Birthday and I will check out your article! It’s so weird to me to look at your picture and your website where beauty and self-confidence are everywhere and to hear that you also struggle with these issues. I call it my “inner 16 year old.” Some days she won’t shut up!!! I think your writing is amazing, and quite honestly, I aspire to be like you!
Alexa (katbiggie) recently posted..For Love of Kathryn
Twitter: katbiggie
Happy birthday and congrats! I wish that was having a nice time on this special day! And don’t listen to that voice if its telling only criticism..
Rebeka recently posted..Fogbeültetés itthon és külföldön
Happy Birthday!! If anyone deserves it, it’s you! Congrats!!
Courtney Kirkland recently posted..The Real 100
Twitter: CourtneyKirklnd
thank you for sharing that beautiful post.You really deserve it!!!
Lois recently posted..this site
Happy birthday, girl! And so, so many congrats! That’s so EXCITING!!
Galit Breen recently posted..Back to the Old, Front to the New
Twitter: galitbreen
Awwww, happy (belated!!!) birthday, beautiful girl. Off to read your perfect words now. XOXO
Charlotte recently posted..laughter: a concerto in four awkward dates
Twitter: MyPixieBlog
Happy (belated) Birthday and YAY!!!!! I’m SO glad you quit listening to that other voice!!
Elaine A. recently posted..I used to be kinda fun(ny)
Twitter: elainea
happy birthday and you have given yourself the greatest gift – ignoring ‘the voice’ so it doesn’t censor you and keep you from sharing and giving your tremendous gifts to the world. good for you!!
Alicia D recently posted..Weekend Wrap Up