27 Comments
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Rachel Kovac's avatar

This piece is exquisite, Leah! Your words are a gift to the world! And I think this is true of so many creative practices from sewing to photography to growing flowers to baking sourdough. I remember people would ask me why I would sew clothes when it was less expensive to buy them. Gosh there are so many ways I could answer that but one at the top is for the joy of doing it.

Leah Boden's avatar

Thank you, Rachel - I, for one, am glad you sew, grow flowers, make sourdough, and write. We’re all better for it x

Rachel Kovac's avatar

This makes me teary! Love you to the moon!

Lizi Long's avatar

Oh this is funny...I've just sat down with my laptop open for the first time in many months. I thought - 'oh I might just write a little substack article, be brave, give myself an hour or so'...then I froze, thought I might just read a few instead...but then I stumble across this beautifully encouraging piece. Thank you Leah. I might actually start writing.

Leah Boden's avatar

Yes!! Get writing, amazing Lizi - you have so much to share with the world x x

April Edwards's avatar

So many beautiful thoughts on creativity, identity, and coming alive with creative work. 💙😁

Leah Boden's avatar

Thank you, April - you are fabulous x x

Cindy Dembeck's avatar

Oh Leah! Thank you so much for writing this and sharing your heart and words. I'm still trying to find 'my words'. I am still on the silent side. I signed up for the workshop but will need to watch the replay as I already have another appointment that day. So looking forward to the words of wisdom, insight, and beauty you will impart!

Wendy Clifton's avatar

Thank you for sharing your journey. I needed to read this. The words ‘writing feels too indulgent’ have been swarming in my brain for over a week now as I wrestle with making space to write again. And then I happened to open substack and see this article. Such a beautiful reminder of deeply meaningful healing, encouragement & new inspiration thoughtfully strung words can offer. Thank you.

Leah Boden's avatar

I’m so glad it was helpful to you, Wendy - happy writing! Enjoy ✨

Amy Harris's avatar

My thoughts echo so many of yours. Thanks for the nudge.

Leah Boden's avatar

Thank you, Amy!

Katy Rose's avatar

I loved this post, Leah. You create so beautifully! 💗

Leah Boden's avatar

Thank you, Katy - so do you! x x

Ashley Dilsaver's avatar

Your thoughts on seeing writing as “bread for the hungry” and as a ministry just as important as anything else. Really helped me see things differently. Thank you for your words!

Leah Boden's avatar

I'm glad they were helpful to you, Ashley - thank you x

Linnea Lewis's avatar

Thank you for this! I love your writing. ❤️ I have felt the pull to write for the last year or so, but struggle to find/make time for it with my full life including homeschooling my five kids ages 14 to 5. I'm starting out by trying to get something here on Substack every once in awhile!

Leah Boden's avatar

I look forward to reading your writing, Linnea x x

Patty's avatar

Thank you, Leah. I needed to hear this so badly. I check pretty much all the same boxes as you. In a world that hates creation and often rejects words, I feel like I cannot find the "allowable" space to write. I believe there are books I must write, but everything else is constantly clamoring for my attention. I think the time for this workshop will actually fit perfectly in my schedule. I'm going to ask hubby for this as an extra birthday present. Hoping to join you in August!

Leah Boden's avatar

I look forward to "meeting" you in August, Patty - happy writing...carve out that time!

Jessica Adam's avatar

Thank you for writing!❤️

Leah Boden's avatar

Thank you, Jessica x

Emily Baxter's avatar

I feel this.

My husband recently asked me what my favorite part about writing is - in which I told him, I don’t have a favorite part, I MUST do it because it lives within my bones and swirls inside my head (just as you described writing whilst walking the dog or waiting for children). For me, every sunset comes with a sentence and every house filled with children’s laughter writes a line in my head. There’s really no stopping it! 🙂

I have not written a book but I long to. I’m looking forward to this workshop. Thank you for your inspiring words and lovely spirit! ❤️

Leah Boden's avatar

Oooh, Emily - I so resonate with that swirling! We MUST write. I look forward to seeing your face in August x x

Elicia Johnson's avatar

Leah, dear soul! This post could be the synopsis for a Mother culture book for today—it’s lovely and inspiring. I went through a very similar journey. Recognizing writing as a valid and life-giving gift and use of time changed my life (spiritually but also mentally and physically) along with my mothering. It took a couple of years of honing my craft but I did get a book deal! My debut novel (an allegory) was published in April. Thank you for being a light house for other moms!

Leah Boden's avatar

Thank you for your encouraging words, Elicia - and congratulations on your novel, amazing!! Leah x

Maria Peters's avatar

Ah, Leah, what a beautiful tribute to the soul of creativity. I have snippets of writing all over and somehow I don’t seem to get them organized and placed anywhere cohesive. They continuously swirl in my notes app, in journals, on slips on paper and through my mind. I am inspired to make something of them!