Chapter 1: Overcoming Obstacles in Writing

Are you still facing difficulties with your newsletters? Fear not; improvement is within reach.

I recently attempted to publish a newsletter, but it didn’t go as planned. Despite feeling a bit disheartened, I'm aware that progress is happening. Here’s what I’ve come to understand about my journey.

Many of my readers are aware that I deal with multiple sclerosis (MS). A year ago, I experienced a stroke, which led me to spend a significant portion of the summer in the hospital, working towards regaining my previous vitality. I miss my former self immensely and long for the independence I once had. There are days when I find myself lamenting my situation. Mobility has become a challenge, requiring the use of a walker or a wheelchair, and typing is now limited to one hand.

However, even after a year of physical and occupational therapy, I continue to make small discoveries that improve my daily life—like standing and sitting more gracefully or navigating through doorways without damaging the frames. Each minor success feels monumental, and I’m grateful to both my faith and my wife, who has been a pillar of support.

Connecting this back to my writing journey, the process of crafting my work has become intertwined with my personal experiences. No amount of reading, watching tutorials, or taking courses can replace the “ah-ha” moments that come from personal insight. I refer to my writing as "real-life writing," since mere theories no longer suffice.

When I identify a clear, actionable plan, I find it much easier to implement.