# Embracing My Identity as a Writer and the Waves of Life
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Chapter 1: Discovering Myself Through Writing
From a young age, I have been certain of two key aspects of my identity: I am a writer, and I am a traveler. My passion for exploration often draws me toward bodies of water—whether a creek, pond, lake, river, or ocean. Writing has not only provided me with confidence as a youth, but it has also opened doors to lucrative job opportunities that have facilitated my travels.
My natural curiosity about the world around me has fueled my thirst for knowledge, which, in turn, has enriched my writing. Throughout my academic journey, writing consistently helped me achieve better grades than any other subject. The encouragement and positive feedback from my teachers confirmed my writing abilities, proving that a little recognition goes a long way in nurturing a young person's talents.
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Section 1.1: Riding the Waves of Life
Travel has revealed the vastness and beauty of our world, enhancing my confidence and helping me navigate life more effectively. It has also deepened my compassion for humanity, embracing our diversity, talents, and imperfections.
The beach holds a special place in my heart; it's where I find joy and awe in the relentless movement of the ocean. However, I must admit that I'm not a surfer. I’ve learned that surfing requires a level of detachment that doesn’t sit well with me. My brief attempt at body-surfing in the Atlantic during my twenties ended in chaos, as I was launched into a whirlwind of sand and surf, leaving me sore and dazed for days.
Years later, I dreamt of surfing through life, gliding effortlessly over people, animals, and experiences. This dream symbolized a carefree approach, allowing me to navigate the waves of existence with grace and joy.
As a child, I was shy and apprehensive, often overwhelmed by the chaos of adult life. It was Margaret, my second mom, who gifted me my first journal around the age of seven. Writing became my safe space, my therapy, allowing me to express feelings I struggled to share. Though I never journaled daily like Margaret, I filled my journals with reflections during pivotal moments.
Subsection 1.1.1: The Therapeutic Power of Writing
Section 1.2: The Journey of a Writer
Writing has been a steadfast companion throughout my life, aiding me in every job I've held. My career began in a law office as a part-time receptionist during high school. By the time I graduated, I had gained substantial experience, drafting legal documents and learning about business communication.
While I could have built a career in law, my true desire was to write and travel. My writing skills landed me that initial job, which funded my adventures beyond my hometown. The knowledge I gained there paved the way for my subsequent roles in the San Francisco Bay Area.
I witnessed the rise of portable technology and envisioned a future where my writing and travels would converge. My last job involved grant writing—another form of storytelling—allowing me to work remotely in beautiful places like Belize and Arizona.
Chapter 2: A New Wave of Creativity
In my life, I've produced a significant amount of writing, primarily therapeutic or formal. However, I've not ventured much into creative storytelling about myself or others since my teenage years. Now, I feel a new wave approaching, and I intend to ride it with the same enthusiasm as in my dream.
I may face setbacks on this digital shore, but I will continue to dive into the ocean of ideas swirling in my mind until I can navigate all the waves of stories I wish to share.
Surf's up!
Thank you for engaging with my words! This marks my second contribution to Summit, and I extend my gratitude to Susan Brearley for publishing my work in this inspiring platform.
Jeannine Anderson is an amateur human enjoying the creative process of becoming whole. You can read more of my writing here. Connect with me in the comments or follow my journey by clicking the Follow button. Who knows where this adventure will take us?
The first video titled "When Do You Call Yourself A Writer?" features David Wappel discussing the identity of a writer and the moments that define it, encouraging viewers to embrace their writing journey.
The second video, "Don't Call Yourself An 'Aspiring Writer'," challenges the notion of labeling oneself as merely aspiring, motivating individuals to recognize their current status as writers actively creating their narratives.