The Time I Almost Stopped Writing This Newsletter

Being Humble

The Story

During the few weeks I took off from this newsletter over spring break, I got a bad case of impostor syndrome. I started asking myself: what gives me the authority to write a series about having good character when I’m just an ordinary human?

I’m not a philosopher, a psychologist, a religious leader, or even a published novelist (though I hope to be the last one, eventually). Sure, I’m a teacher, which gives me some insight into child psychology and local community, and I’m a writer, which means I think deeply about character. But is that enough to qualify me to tell you, my incredible readers, what it means to have Good Character?

I mean, obviously no, right?

But also, obviously yes, right?

Character isn’t just one thing, and neither are opinions about character. It’s a subject that requires a gentle approach from many different angles, using both research and story. I’m not an expert on the research, though I do some for every post. I AM an expert on my own story and my own character. So I tell those stories, in the hopes that my story will trigger a feeling for you about what it means to show up in the world with resilient compassion and self-awareness. Whether I’m qualified or not, I’m willing to share!

I also have deep motivation to share. I look at the world, and I see so much extremism. We’ve grown hardened by binary thinking, fed by algorithms that sort us into categories and political parties that encourage taking sides on social issues like they’re sports teams. I see this, and I think, there’s a better way. Let’s get back to compromise. Let’s get back to open communication. Let’s get back to moderation, balance, and nuanced understanding. Let’s prioritize the whole, the ALL of us, so we can rise together. And the only way we can do that is by focusing on character, as individuals and as a nation.

But paradoxically, if the community, communication and the deep understanding of others is the goal, then who am I, as a single, imperfect individual, to champion that?

Maybe the fact that I’m even asking myself these questions means I’m the right person— or, more accurately— a perfectly okay person. No one has to read what I say. You all can make up your own minds about happiness, stoicism, or inclusivity. But I’m willing to keep writing and thinking and leading the conversation, with a very big dose of humility. I don’t have all the answers, but I’m trying.

I hope you’ll continue to try with me— and if you like what we’re doing here, please share it with a friend so we can have more voices, more community, more nuanced character.

As Eleanor Roosevelt said, “Character building begins in our infancy and continues until death.”

Photo credit: Leanne Sowul, taken at Innisfree Gardens in Millbrook, NY.

Stuff You Might Like To Know

I’m currently reading STORY GENIUS by Lisa Cron, because I’m preparing to write another novel!!! More info to come!

Last week our family watched FREAKY FRIDAY (the Lindsay Lohan/Jamie Lee Curtis version) and it was perfect for family movie night! We also, with my parents, watched an old episode of Square One for nostalgia’s sake. I loved that show!

I’m listening to my four bands prepare for their spring concerts, so I have their songs stuck in my head constantly; “High Hopes” and “Shake it Off” are the two pop tunes I’m teaching this season. The kids are working hard!

Here’s to us, in all of our imperfect, striving goodness.

Keep hoping. Keep caring. Keep trying.