I knew I had a writing voice. That came year after year from teacher after teacher, professor after professor, who encouraged writing styles of both creative and persuasive natures.
Somewhere in the beginning of the real world work experience, that voice got lost. Job titles like administrative assistant and accounting clerk did not lend themselves to a whole lot of creative or persuasive writing, though I did manage quite a bit of policy and procedure writing over the years.
Then I got sick. Well, to be honest, I dealt with mental health issues from a young age, but I got physically sick. Type 2 diabetes, hypothyroidism, and pelvic pain, all between the ages of 27 and 29.
I found passion to fuel that writing voice towards patient advocacy efforts. From blogging to tweeting to social media consulting to forum moderating, it all gives me something to do with the voice I always knew I had that got lost somewhere between college and paying the bills.
While I would love to make a living out of this patient advocacy thing, or at the very least out of what I have learned from writing for social media, that dream seems impossible at the moment. Rest assured, this voice will continue to speak passionately for patients with chronic illness no matter the day job.
I’m very glad to have your voice out there Rachel. You are a powerful advocate, and a friend I’m glad to have.
Awesome and a great big sincere GOOD FOR YOU! How marvelous that you use your talents to advocate for others – inspiring and speaks to your determination. Best to you, yours, and your efforts!
Cheers,
Headstrong
It’s interesting that many times when we are faced with hardships we end up reconnecting with the things that made us who we are. Writing is such a great way to share yourself and the fact that you are also helping others by doing so is wonderful.