This week, I found myself drowning in a sea of rough drafts. Perfectionism swooped in like an uninvited guest, and suddenly nothing felt good enough to publish.

It’s funny – as I approach my 61st year, I’ve realized that some of my old insecurities have decided to make a comeback. Looks like I’ve got some more clutter to clear!

The Universe works in mysterious ways, doesn’t it?

We ask for something, but it doesn’t always come wrapped in the package we expect. When we ask for growth, the Universe brings us situations to clear the clutter first.

My journey to becoming an author has been more of a zigzag than a straight line. It’s been a “two steps forward, one step back” kind of dance, with the biggest hurdle being my worry about what others will think of my writing. The constant self-editing can be restrictive and draining. As the pros say, don’t overthink that first draft!

Recently, I received an unexpected gift – not wrapped in shiny paper with a bow, but in the form of a lesson from a friend. Without going into specifics, the experience was truly liberating. I learned that I worry too much, care too much, almost to an unhealthy degree.

This time, when faced with a challenging situation, I was honest and kind. I received some backlash, but we worked it out. The difference? I didn’t feel the need to over-apologize or worry about being forgiven. There wasn’t anything wrong with telling the truth.

As this realization washed over me, a certain Phil Collins song started playing in my mind: “I Don’t Care Anymore.”