When I began writing this post at the beginning of the month I knew I wanted to chronicle my writing journey to publication. I want to inspire others as I want to be inspired. After all, that is what keeps the creativity flowing in us writers, artists, musicians, etc.
I think of those out there who are dying a little inside each day because they are not following their true self...and they are fully aware that they aren't. I completely understand that feeling. I also struggled with the idea of not being able to be a good mom and wife if I decided to seek out my passion~writing!
Today I spent a pretty quiet day away from the "networking" world. I woke up to a beautiful message in my inbox from an author I have admired for some time. I have been given an incredible opportunity by her. The details will be announced here shortly, but the fact is she read my blog. She visited and read my blog! On top of that, I had brief, but private & personal contact with her.
This has been huge for my soul within! If you read my previous post you would understand how this turn of events has lifted my spirits.
Okay, I'm not stupid! I know that all my writing days will not be sunshine and golden, but today was and I must acknowledge that! I have had rejection letters and I embrace them. I have not been the most outgoing person. Putting myself out there is huge for me! I have feared my own independence and success! I could single-handedly organize and throw an event for hundreds of people I didn't know to raise money for kids or to honor someone else, but "chat myself up" I have not been able to overcome that challenge!
My path has been crossed by another's who has been more than willing to assist me in my journey. I imagine us to be running laps on this gigantic track to successful publishing. My new friend is a few laps ahead of me, but without hesitation, stops to cheer me on and introduce me to new people and tools that will only aide in seeing me complete my own race! It has been because of her that I have this newly acquired strength! It is this new force of strength that gave me the courage to contact the author yesterday.
This journey has been better for my family than I thought. I raised my children-always doing for them and even their friends. Even opening up our home to their friends in need along the way. That was my main role, job, identifier...and I loved it. But, not writing has always left me with an incomplete heart. I learned to not love myself as I should and not care for myself as I should! Not knowing a soul in the business...I knew that I'd be going at this cold! My husband and children are incredibly supportive and our family dynamic is starting to change. They are proud of my strides and I feel more alive too! I would never give up my family for a career in writing, but I now know that I don't have to give up either. That was my misguided understanding of a mom and wife and successful writer!
It's hard to really understand if you have not been there, but I haven't seen a speck of me in years and I think I'm starting to see me again, people!
Dear readers, I hope you can find a way to embrace your dream, even if it has to start out as a hobby! Find someone to cheer you on and never forget to be in their corner too!
Wishing you dreams to fulfill and the inspiration needed to do so!
~the sol within~
Anna
Give it a listen! The songs that inspired this post:
Welcome to the Jungle by Guns N Roses
The Story by Brandi Carlile
Live Your Life by T.I. featuring Rihanna
Life Is A Highway by Rascal Flatts
Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin) by Sly & the Family Stone
Someday by Sugar Ray
Don't Stop by Fleetwood Mac
New Soul by Yael Naim
These Are Days by 10,000 Maniacs
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Aye, que increible! How incredible, I almost feel like I'm looking at a mirror of myself. I was in the same situation. I didn't know what to do in my life as far as what major to pursue in school, until one day it clicked for me. Why don't I pursue what it is that I love...writing. I have to say that it took me not one or three or four times, but seven times before I decided on the major that I am pursuing today: English/Creative Writing Track. I'm so glad to meet another latina who shares a love for writing. I am no where near the publishing stage, but I hope to get there one day. I will definitely be keeping up with your aventuras in escritura!
ReplyDeleteCiao for now!
-Belle