965 | Why Your Story Feels Messy — and Why That’s a Good Thing
Fri Feb 06 2026
In this episode, Marsha speaks directly to anyone who feels overwhelmed, blocked, or unsure where to begin when writing their story. She reframes the messiness of storytelling not as a problem, but as proof that something meaningful is trying to emerge.
Drawing from her own experience writing multiple books and supporting collaborative authors, Marsha explains why clarity doesn’t come before the mess. It comes through it. She explores the subconscious fears tied to visibility, being misunderstood, and emotional safety, and why editing too early keeps most people stuck. This episode is a powerful reminder that your story doesn’t need to be perfect, polished, or fully formed. It just needs to be honest.
Highlights[01:04] Why your story feels messy and why that’s actually a good sign
[01:42] The reality that most people want to write a book, but very few ever do
[02:13] Your story doesn’t need to be perfect, it just needs to be true
[02:35] Why messy first drafts are often required to reach the real story
[03:03] Talking yourself out of writing because you don’t feel ready
[03:36] Pulling out journals, sticky notes, and timelines to organize the chaos
[04:08] The belief that everything has to go into one book and why that’s false
[04:28] Fear of visibility, being misunderstood, and other people’s opinions
[05:11] Why writing your story feels emotionally overwhelming
[05:39] The subconscious need for safety and predictability when writing
[06:01] Questions that help uncover the parts of your story that matter most
[06:36] Why you must write the mess first and edit later
Marsha Vanwynsberghe — NLP Storytelling Trainer, OUTSPOKEN NLP Coaching Certification, Author, Speaker, and Podcaster
Write Your Damn Book Program: https://www.marshavanw.com/writenow
Unbothered Mind Private Podcast https://www.marshavanw.com/unbotheredmindpodcast
Unbothered Entrepreneur Masterclass (for the Podcast Listeners): https://www.marshavanw.com/unbothered-entrepreneur-masterclass-podcast
Download “You Are Supported” Hypnosis and Subliminal Bundle HERE
Join the next cohort of OUTSPOKEN NLP Coaching Certification (kick-off in January 2026, in person or virtual) HERE
The Stories We Tell Ourselves Digital Program August Promo Save $333 HERE.
Tap the “Follow” button never to miss a show, and if you love the show, please feel free to tag me on social media, share it with a friend, or leave me a rating and review. This really helps the show grow!
Website: www.marshavanw.com
Connect on IG, click HERE
Subscribe on YouTube, click a...
More
In this episode, Marsha speaks directly to anyone who feels overwhelmed, blocked, or unsure where to begin when writing their story. She reframes the messiness of storytelling not as a problem, but as proof that something meaningful is trying to emerge. Drawing from her own experience writing multiple books and supporting collaborative authors, Marsha explains why clarity doesn’t come before the mess. It comes through it. She explores the subconscious fears tied to visibility, being misunderstood, and emotional safety, and why editing too early keeps most people stuck. This episode is a powerful reminder that your story doesn’t need to be perfect, polished, or fully formed. It just needs to be honest. Highlights[01:04] Why your story feels messy and why that’s actually a good sign [01:42] The reality that most people want to write a book, but very few ever do [02:13] Your story doesn’t need to be perfect, it just needs to be true [02:35] Why messy first drafts are often required to reach the real story [03:03] Talking yourself out of writing because you don’t feel ready [03:36] Pulling out journals, sticky notes, and timelines to organize the chaos [04:08] The belief that everything has to go into one book and why that’s false [04:28] Fear of visibility, being misunderstood, and other people’s opinions [05:11] Why writing your story feels emotionally overwhelming [05:39] The subconscious need for safety and predictability when writing [06:01] Questions that help uncover the parts of your story that matter most [06:36] Why you must write the mess first and edit later Marsha Vanwynsberghe — NLP Storytelling Trainer, OUTSPOKEN NLP Coaching Certification, Author, Speaker, and Podcaster Write Your Damn Book Program: https://www.marshavanw.com/writenow Unbothered Mind Private Podcast https://www.marshavanw.com/unbotheredmindpodcast Unbothered Entrepreneur Masterclass (for the Podcast Listeners): https://www.marshavanw.com/unbothered-entrepreneur-masterclass-podcast Download “You Are Supported” Hypnosis and Subliminal Bundle HERE Join the next cohort of OUTSPOKEN NLP Coaching Certification (kick-off in January 2026, in person or virtual) HERE The Stories We Tell Ourselves Digital Program August Promo Save $333 HERE. Tap the “Follow” button never to miss a show, and if you love the show, please feel free to tag me on social media, share it with a friend, or leave me a rating and review. This really helps the show grow! Website: www.marshavanw.com Connect on IG, click HERE Subscribe on YouTube, click a...