It’s funny how life works sometimes, isn’t it? The very things we run from, criticize ourselves for, and dread are often the very things we’re called to do—and sometimes, we even excel at them. Looking back, I realize how true this is in my own life. In high school, I had a nemesis, and it came in the form of something terrifying, something that sent shivers down my spine whenever I heard the word. What was it? Essays.
Yes, papers, essays, reports—whatever you want to call them—were my academic arch-nemesis. Every time a teacher would mention, “You’ll need to submit a 10-page paper by the end of the month,” I felt like packing my bags and running for the hills. I’m not kidding; the thought of writing essays almost stopped me from going to college entirely. I remember thinking, “If college is just a series of endless paper-writing marathons, count me out.”
And yet, despite all that fear and dread, I found myself writing those papers. I didn’t just write them—I did really well. Turns out, I was pretty good at this whole writing thing. Funny, right? The one thing I feared most was the thing I actually excelled at. But if you had told high school Shae that one day she’d not only be writing for fun but that she’d actually enjoy it, she would have laughed you right out of the room.
Fast forward to today, and here I am, a multi-award-winning author and blogger, of all things! Never in a million years did I imagine I’d become a writer. It wasn’t a dream or a passion growing up. I didn’t write stories in notebooks or dream of seeing my name on a book cover. I was just trying to get through those pesky school assignments so I could graduate.
So how did this ironic twist happen? Well, it turns out that the thing I once dreaded became one of the things that brings me the most peace. Writing became my outlet—an escape valve for all the thoughts constantly running through my mind. Whether I’m reflecting on life’s lessons, sharing my healing journey, or thinking about how I can help others, writing gives me a space to process everything. It’s no longer about trying to survive an academic assignment; it’s about thriving in the space where I can be authentically myself.
I didn’t see this coming. But now, when I sit down to write—whether it’s for a blog, a book, or just my own personal thoughts—I find myself at peace. My pen (or keyboard) has become my guide. Writing is now where I figure things out. It’s where I dream, where I plan, where I work through all the emotions and ideas that life throws my way.
It’s so ironic, isn’t it? The very thing I once feared became the thing that fuels my creativity. I think there’s a lesson in that for all of us. Sometimes, we’re so busy running from something we think we’re bad at or that we believe will be our downfall that we miss the truth: maybe we’re actually called to do that thing.
And maybe, just maybe, if we give it a chance, we’ll find out we’re not only good at it but that it brings us joy and fulfillment. Life has a funny way of leading us to our purpose, even if it drags us kicking and screaming along the way.
So, if you’re reading this and there’s something you’ve been dreading or avoiding—whether it’s writing, public speaking, painting, or something else entirely—take a moment to pause. Ask yourself, “What if this is something I’m meant to excel at?” What if that thing you criticize yourself for is actually the key to unlocking a part of your purpose? Trust me, I’ve been there. And while I almost let my fear stop me from discovering this side of myself, I’m glad I didn’t.
Because now, writing is where I find peace. It’s my outlet. It’s my way of giving back to others and making sense of this beautiful, messy journey we call life.
Don’t Stop. Don’t Settle. Keep Stepping.
