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My colleague Myriam and I were recently chatting about how we manifested our careers as writers, and it brought to mind the very magical wonder I still feel when I realize that all my writing dreams that I've had since childhood have actually come true! I've always wanted to write, and aside from that, to pursue some sort of scholarly profession or avocation from as far back as I can remember. The power of words has always impressed and enchanted me, and I studied languages, linguistics and communications throughout my school career. Unfortunately, I took a misstep by dropping out of university which probably delayed this journey in some ways, but at the same time eventually manifested some 'short cuts' for me *grin*. After many years of office work and entrepreneurial endeavors (some more successful and satisfying than others), I reached a point in my life when I was well and truly bored. I had taken a night school course about writing and publishing romance books - which were my undoubted favorites to read at the time - and with two other classmates, I wrote a true-to-the-genre romance, which we submitted to Harlequin. Although it was not accepted, we received a very favorable commentary on the writing (which they were very gracious to provide) and since I had written most of the words myself as that was my specialty, that was quite a confirmation for me! However, I had run our of steam by that time and had no intention to revisit the tons of labor involved in trying again, and then the long waiting time inherent in publishing to submit manuscripts. That was that, I thought. Magically for me, soon afterwards, an ad appeared in our local newspaper looking for a freelance journalist. Well, I'm nothing if not foolhardy I guess, because with no diplomas or experience I applied for the job - and with a little (ahem) unladylike pushing, I was offered the job. I found out later that my persistence was what closed the deal. Hundreds had applied for the job, but I was the only one who had followed up firmly but persistently and in fact, I offered to do some sample stories and reports for free to show what I could do. That in fact was not necessary, as I went right on the payroll, and after a few months became 'the' theatre reviewer for the entire region - a wonderful and fun career that lasted 10 years until I gave it up as a regular gig for practical reasons. Some years ago, I phased out my brick and mortar New Age Centre and took my business on-line. Originally, the intent was to provide a variety of services with Psychic readings at the hub of the business, as that has been my focus for a while. But Spirit had other plans, and it wasn’t long before my columns were picked up for syndication and my articles and writings started taking me in a whole new direction. When people would asked what I do for a living, I used to say I am a psychic, (depending on who I was speaking to and how open I thought they might be) or that I run a New Age website, but before too long, I found that neither of those were really the right ‘label’. OK – I still say those things sometimes. But only when I think there is good shock value in it! The truth was, I was really spending most of my time writing, and that’s also where I was generating the bulk of my income. About two years ago, a friend and very talented psychic told me I’d be writing a book soon. That kind of startled – and dismayed me, as I had already gone through the harrowing process of writing a book, submitting it, WAITING (which is the hardest part) and then not having it published. Actually, I certainly could have revised the first book at the time I was looking for a publishing deal, but I’m the type that once I have finished something – particularly a huge and consuming project like a book, I never want to read it again LOL. At least not word-for-word:>) But when this same prediction came up in another reading soon after, something in me caught fire and I sat down and started to write. Not only did I put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard), but I plunged into the writing with a passion and had my first manuscript completed in a few weeks. I would often remember another psychic and healer who had told me some years ago that in a past life I was a young boy employed as a temple scribe in Ancient Egypt. There was a lot in that reading that resonated with me, and I guess that urge to write has carried forward into this lifetime. Anyway, now my first ‘real’ book is in publication – and I’m walking on clouds whenever I think of it. And guess what? It’s not actually the one I first wrote, but a newer project that Myriam and I came up with together and which flowed so effortlessly that I know the universe was smiling on our efforts! Myriam and I have always known since we first met on-line that there was a special reason for our immediate ‘clicking’ and now we have a wondrous, tangible result of that miracle! So, one of my lifelong dreams has come true, and I have seen once again that Spirit will find a way of helping you if you follow up on all your opportunities. I truly feel that I’m doing what I’m meant to be doing – and that feels good! I ground myself sometimes by remembering that in the grand scheme of things, writing a book is not a huge deal (unless the book turns out to be a New York Times bestseller LOLOL!), but when I think back to how far-off and misty such a dream may have seemed to me years ago, then indeed, it’s a miracle! But I guess the biggest lesson I’ve learned and which I’d like to share is that we have to recognize our achievements as we go along. We are all doing and achieving wondrous things each day – but how often do we honor that? Some of our goals seem out of reach right now, but so many others we have achieved! We are MIRACLES! And MIRACLES-IN-THE-MAKING! If we cannot be doing exactly what we wish to be doing at the moment, what can we incorporate into our lives that is a step in the direction of our dreams? And our dreams must all be honored – large and small – those things we dream that we can do are part of the very special and unique gift that we are to humanity, so never say never and be all that you can be!
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