I held my first AuthorLuminary event over the weekend, and one of the topics that everyone was talking about between speakers was “vulnerability.” When you’re writing, you are opening up to your audience, and that can be tough enough without the fear that you are being too vulnerable or that someone won’t approve of what you’re saying.

I knew that this was a topic that I needed to talk about, so I actually changed one of my talks to discuss vulnerability.

A few years ago, my friend Dr. Shellie Hipsky, now the editor-in-chief of Inspiring Lives Magazine, came to visit me soon after my daughter Talia was born. While her daughter was playing with my older daughter, and they were checking out the new baby, Shellie handed me a paper to fill out. At the time, she had a radio show, Empowering Women, and she wanted to know if I would be interested in being on the show.

I stared at her like she had two heads before answering, “I don’t think you want to interview me. I’m not inspiring.”

She encouraged me to fill out the questionnaire anyway. Maybe there was something there that would make a great story.

At the time, I certainly didn’t think she would be able to interview me for the show. I was a sad, tired mom with a two-year-old and a newborn. The big one was energetic and demanding, and the little one was awake a lot and demanding. Plus, my job was completely soul crushing. I certainly didn’t have it all together, like I always dreamed I would.

The thing is, if I had searched hard enough, I would have found something that would inspire others, I’m sure. Today, I’m certain I could.

I’ve traveled a long way from the woman I was that day, and though I’m not at the end of my journey, I’m also a lot farther along than many others. And the footsteps I’ve already taken away from that place can help others feel comforted in their similar journeys.

When you’re writing your own book, you have to look at it that way. You are helping someone on their journey, whether it’s personal or with your business. And even if it’s one person that your story really resonates with (I’m sure it will be more, though), it’s worth it to save that person heartache.

It’s important to help others along, especially when we’ve been on the journey ourselves. It’s up to all of us to light the way for those coming behind us. Whenever you think that you can’t write because you’re afraid of being vulnerable, afraid of being judged, just remember this.

In fact, before you start writing your book, I recommend sitting down and writing about your why. Why do you need to write this book? Why is it important? Why will your story help others? (And don’t say, “I don’t know if it will.” It will.)

When you have a solid reason to write the book, that will drive you. And if you feel a little lost along the way or you think about giving up, you can return to your Why Statement and regain your momentum.