What I See Deep Inside by Erin Denny

My life as a (gulp) writer has changed recently.

I finally decided to start characterizing myself in the ways that I see me deep inside. You know, those profound places in which others aren’t allowed.

I’ve whispered some of my dreams to a select few over the past the years, but I’ve never actually owned that part of my life. 

I’m an extremist: food really sweet or salty, classroom icy cold. I guess I was worried about being one of those people who never went anywhere with their dreams, like if I didn’t become published then none of my writing mattered.

But, lately, I’ve noticed, as I’m finally accepting my empty nest (a whole other story), that I want to be a person that I’m proud of.

When my kids were little, it was all about wanting to be someone they were proud of. I still want that, of course, but now I’m beginning to look at how I see myself: what makes me think ‘that was a good day’ as I lay my head down at night.

One thing I desire is to be a person who lives out who I am inside.  Inside of me is a writer who has many stories to tell, a writer that has been caged up for far too long.

I’m proud of the "me" that’s a teacher and a mom, but I’m more than ‘Erin the Teacher’ or ‘Erin the Mom,’ right? I also love music, creating in all different ways, talking with people, traveling, reading, playing with my cats, and WRITING. 

As I’ve embraced “Erin the Writer,” I noticed others have too.

Who am I going to be at the end of my life?

I have no idea, but I like the direction I’m headed.




Erin Denny teaches 4th grade ELAR in a North Texas school district. She just received her master’s degree in education and is working towards a Master Reading Certificate. She hastwo beautiful and amazing children, one a musician and the other a writer. She loves being a mom, a teacher, and learning. You can follow her on Twitter at @MzDenne.