Before I decided that writing was what I felt called to do, I was terrified. Terrified that I had nothing to contribute and that I would end up in a meaningless job that didn’t play on my strengths, talents or passions. Many people are forced to do this, might I add, to support their families, so I recognize that this is a privilege that I could even stop to consider what I wanted. But before I found a therapist who specialized in CBT and actually spoke back to me (instead of nodding her head empathetically or saying “yes, I see, that is a hard dilemma…” when I asked for advice), I was told countless times to “follow my heart”, but that’s a cliché phrase that seems a little outdated and tone deaf in today’s climate. Here’s why I think so.

Read More