The Challenge of Being Yourself

I’m sitting here listening to Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way” while writing this article. Every time she sings “I’m on the edge of glory…”, it reminds me that there are things I have wanted to try, but never have, either because of fear of failure, or because someone told me not to do it. I wonder how many others have failed to follow through with an idea because it did not conform to the “tried and true” method.

Then I consider Lady Gaga. She certainly doesn’t conform to any norm. She’s always herself, many times shocking. Honestly, how many people would wear an outfit made out of meat strips? But her uniqueness doesn’t stop her from being successful. Instead, it gains her attention and that in turn, sells her songs. She is a great example of the saying, “if you never try, you’ll never know if you can succeed.”

This year, I’ve decided to step out of my comfort zone. In addition to the two erotica stories that I now have in the works, I’m also going to follow my gut and write some stories that have been swirling around in my brain. These, too, are romances, but the focus is not going to be so much on their sexual relationship, but rather how the two face challenges that will make them and their relationship stronger.   

In a world where many of us deal with the challenge of how to survive on a daily basis, I feel we need the courage to face our fears and never be afraid to try something new. I’m hoping these stories will foster that belief and encourage those who need a little boost. Yes, it is scary, like standing on the edge of a cliff and looking down. Do we take that leap of faith and step off, praying that the winds will carry us gently to our destination, or do we, with fear and trepidation, step back from the edge, which might have led to glory?

I hope you’ll join me on this journey. Perhaps we’ll all discover something wonderful about ourselves. This edge gives us a new perspective. Let’s embrace it and go forth with a positive attitude and the hope that a bright future awaits us all.