Cathy's Credo & Pledge

My name is Cathy Fyock, and I believe that we all have a story to tell.

“Why would anybody want to read my story?” is a question I encounter often as a book coach. I’ve thought a lot about how to answer that question, and I’ve found that the best answers come from personal belief and personal purpose. It has something to do also with the role of stories, books, and writing in our lives.

Here I’ve shared my own answer to that common question: why write? I hope that, by sharing these beliefs, I can help you to share your own. May you be inspired to share your story with others!

Cathy’s Credo

I believe that we each have value and significance.
I believe that we all have unique experiences that shape our lives and provide us with a perspective not shared with anyone else.
I believe that we can help others by sharing our stories, our experiences, and what we’ve learned along the way.
I believe that when we tell our stories, we allow others to bear witness to the purpose of our lives.
I believe that everyone can help someone by sharing their story, especially stories of how we’ve overcome adversity.
I believe that our stories give others the gifts of hope, wisdom, encouragement, laughter, joy, and insight.
I believe that you can never know the full impact that your story will have upon others.
I believe that if you impact just one person in a positive way by telling your story, that impact gives meaning and purpose to your life.
I believe that books are the documents that contain our stories, and which therefore help to document our purpose.
I believe that it is holy work in writing and telling your story, and that it is also holy work to help others to tell theirs.

The Writer’s Pledge

I pledge that I will use my power to make today a fantastic day. I will block writing time on my calendar, and I will honor that time commitment and hold it as sacred, creative time.

I pledge that I will not allow my negative voice to guide my thinking or stop my creative process. I will surround myself with people who love me and support my writing.

I pledge to tell my story — to share my experiences — with authenticity and without apology. I know that in my telling my story I can provide others with the gifts of hope, wisdom, and joy.

I pledge that I will continue to work so that I gain clarity and focus for my readers, audiences, and clients. Then I can continue to make the world a better place, one word at a time.