Everyone has a story to tell. Whether it’s a story of triumph over adversity, a lesson learned through personal experience, or a message that could inspire others, our stories matter. Yet, for many of us, the idea of sharing our story with the world can be intimidating—if not downright terrifying. We often encounter doubts and fears that keep us from writing, speaking, or sharing our experiences.

In my own journey to becoming an author, I faced seven key lies that almost stopped me from sharing my story. If you’ve ever felt hesitant about sharing yours, here are those lies—and the truths that helped me overcome them.

Lie #1: I May Not Get the Support I Deserve

The Lie: “People won’t support me, so what’s the point?”

The Truth: You might not get the support you expect when you announce your intention to write a book or share your story. But giving this lack of support the power to control your narrative is what turns this into a lie. Your ability to write and share your story isn’t dependent on the approval or validation of others. The most important support you can receive is the support you give yourself.

Lie #2: I Don’t Know How to Write

The Lie: “I’m not a writer. I don’t know how to tell my story.”

The Truth: Writing is just thinking on paper. If you know how to speak, you can learn how to write. What holds many people back isn’t their ability to write, but their lack of clarity. If you’re struggling to write, it may be because you haven’t committed to the message or solution your story offers. Your story should answer a specific question or solve a particular problem. Once you get clear on that, writing becomes much easier.

Lie #3: If I Tell My Story, People May Be Offended

The Lie: “If I share my truth, people—especially those who hurt me—might be offended.”

The Truth: Yes, sharing your story could offend some people, especially if they were part of the pain or trauma you experienced. However, being overly concerned about what others think is a sign of low self-worth. Your story is yours to tell. If God has placed a message on your heart, share it with the intention to heal, not to harm. Focus on speaking your truth, not on controlling others’ reactions.

Lie #4: If I Write My Book, No One Will Read It

The Lie: “Why bother? No one will care about my story.”

The Truth: It’s true that not every book becomes a bestseller, but that shouldn’t stop you. What matters is the growth you experience during the process and the impact your story has on those who need to hear it. Even if your audience is small, the transformation you experience by sharing your story and the people you inspire will make it all worth it.

Lie #5: I Don’t Have the Time to Write a Book

The Lie: “I’m too busy. I just don’t have the time to write.”

The Truth: Time is a common barrier, but here’s the reality: you make time for what you truly value. Writing a book takes commitment and discipline, and while your schedule may be full, you can carve out time if it’s a priority. Ask yourself: is sharing my story truly important to me? If the answer is yes, you’ll find the time. Even small, consistent blocks of time can lead to significant progress.

Lie #6: My Story Can’t Help Anyone

The Lie: “My story isn’t important enough to make a difference.”

The Truth: This mindset is self-limiting. You may think your story isn’t significant because you’ve already overcome the challenges it presents, but for someone still struggling in that area, your story could be a beacon of hope. Don’t underestimate the impact of your personal journey. What you’ve been through—whether trauma, addiction, loss, or rejection—can inspire others to overcome their own struggles.

Lie #7: I Must Learn How to Write Before I Start Writing

The Lie: “I need to master writing before I can even think about starting.”

The Truth: This lie holds many people back. Writing isn’t about being perfect from the start—it’s about starting the process and improving along the way. No one learned to ride a bike by reading a manual; they learned by getting on the bike and making mistakes. The same is true for writing. Focus on progress, not perfection, and remember that your story matters more than your initial skill level.

Conclusion: The Power of Moving Forward

What I’ve learned on this journey is simple: you are healed and empowered as you move forward. Waiting for the “perfect” time, the “perfect” skill set, or the “perfect” support system is a waste. Instead, believe that taking one more step into your purpose is enough.

These lies might feel real, but they’re nothing more than obstacles designed to keep you from sharing the story the world needs to hear. Don’t let them control your narrative. The process of sharing your story will not only transform you, but also those who need the encouragement, hope, and inspiration that only your story can provide.

So take that step. Share your story with the world. You never know whose life you’ll change.

Call to Action:

If you’ve been struggling to share your story, or if you’ve been holding back because of these lies, I’d love to connect. Reach out to me here or comment below with your thoughts. Let’s move forward together in telling the stories that need to be heard!