I’ve been on vacation for two weeks back home in Bermuda. On my last day there my family and I went to brunch at Southampton Princess and while leaving the hotel this young man working as a bellman approached me asking if I was Chenae. He took me off guard because the last time someone asked me that it was a police officer at my job (no I didn’t get arrested). After telling him I was her he expressed how he was a reader of my blog and really enjoys my articles. That made my day! Although his face looked familiar I’ve never met this man before, but that’s how it is in Bermuda. For this person I do not know to come up to me and tell me how much they like my blog was a heartwarming moment.
It’s good to know that people are reading the words I’m writing. Of course I know that from looking at the stats but to put a face to one unknown reader was special for me. Sometimes I feel I like I’m only writing for myself and the people who support me, thus I appreciate in knowing that isn’t the case.
That night before I got on my plane to return to London I received an email saying my website had been expired and I needed to renew it. Months ago I decided to not pay for a full year of hosting like I did in the past and have been paying a couple months at a time. I should have done the former because it’s more convenient and I wouldn’t have forgotten I needed to pay for a renewal. From being on vacation, partying with my friends and drinking a lot rum swizzle its safe to say my priorities were elsewhere.
The brief encounter with that guy and then getting that email from my web hosting was a reminder and sign for me.
Remember the sanctity in time by always showing that I have to put out the WORK.
It signaled for me to get back on the hustle HARDER in order to build my vision.
A vacation has an odd way of helping you put aspects about your life into perspective. Some of us experience this while we’re away from reality or when we’re back on the grind. For me this moment happened halfway through my trip after I turned 26. The first week in Bermuda was pretty wild and forced me to slow down in the second week. It was during then I thought about this year. From the hardships, breaking points to breakthroughs, my personal growth, goals I still want to accomplish and changes that need to be made.
Much after my time was spent at home with my ten year old little sister watching old episodes of Boy Meets World and Friends, hanging out with her, my mom and other family members. I haven’t seen a lot of my family in over a year so seeing how they’ve grown and sharing new memories with them was another highlight of my trip. Closer to the end of it my mom said one thing to me about relationships that made me evaluate the sacredness of my space. I’ve always known what’s most important to me but her statement solidified that order of importance. Nothing like a vacation and getting older to boost you and give an extra pep in your step!
I haven’t written a blog piece for a while. Not that I haven’t been inclined to do so but I have been focusing most of my inspiration this summer in pitching to different publications. Some of my ideas have been commissioned and some haven’t. All writers will admit that it’s a blow when an editor passes on your pitch because it is. Fortunately some editors who have passed on my pitch get back to me with advice and encouragement to keep pitching to them which has been surprising and equally motivating. The most disheartening thing is to not hear back from an editor at all. Some publications have guidelines on how to pitch and some do not. Then there is so much information online about the best way to pitch it can become frustrating to know if you’re doing it right. Pitching is tough! Yet I’ve noticed the more I pitch the easier it gets and the closer I am to having my work commissioned for some of my favorite publications.
It’ll happen- the universe only gives back not just what you put out by means of affirmations but by actions.
My friend told me I should still write the articles editors have declined on and put them on my blog. I agree with her. The initial let down stopped me from doing that because I envisioned these pieces on a bigger platform and reaching more readers. But I don’t want to have these throw away ideas especially when they can show my growth as a writer- so stay tuned.
An editor who previously commissioned my work has asked me to write for their publication again. The piece I wrote for them led to making a connection and it felt good to know I’m on their radar as a contributor. He gave me an assignment that I’ll be finishing up after this post.
Back on it!
-C