The pivot happens when peace of mind begins to slip away. Still full of hope and determination, unhappiness lingers in the background.
The pivot is a jump.
It’s the leap of faith into a new gear.
It’s not abandoning the journey but walking in a different direction.
One of my constant concerns is feeling like I’m wasting time. I’ve spent many nights, up for hours, over-analysing past choices and questioning if my current moves are the right ones. I often think about destiny and the overused term of “what’s meant to be will be.” There may come a time where we have to adjust our process or reroute. The decision to either continue down a current lane or step into another may stop us in our tracks, but starting on a new path is more accessible than one would think.
At first, it’s disheartening to realise the goal or career we’ve dedicated time into is not bringing happiness or working out as planned. Yes, there are moments when creating is not enjoyable. It’s normal to have spells of sorrow now and then, but if the feeling is consistent and we’re thinking to start a new beat, our intuition is most likely telling us to.
Pivoting away from the first plan we had mapped out is not a complete stop and start over. It’s a reset. Who ever nails it on the first try?
When I decided not to write the same types of pieces I’ve done in the past, I told myself I’m still following my passion and redefining it. I’m still writing but am evolving. The time spent from the previous years is not time wasted, but knowledge attained. The lessons learned, skills gained, and insight will fuel the next idea.
When I was in London, I worked for a software company and became interested in communications and content strategy. This is my 9-5 focus, the creative to pay the bills.
After returning back to Bermuda, a writer I respect and learn from asked if I wanted to contribute to their website. I was a little shocked at first (there goes the permission again). I doubted if my written work would fit on their site. After discussing my pitches, we decided I write a long-form personal essay for their four issues this year. Each one flows into the next, creating a complete piece. I’ve written two so far, and since then, most of my reading is on long-form essays.
My portfolio mainly consists of opinion-led pieces. I’m used to starting an article with a question and answering it by the conclusion. Longform does not seek to resolve. These longer narratives are full of complexity, detail and explore themes, cadence, and style. I’ve always liked sprinkling some of my personal life into past pieces, so writing in this form comes naturally. The possibilities of the story excite me. This is my pivot for the newsletter and freelancer self.
It doesn’t mean each essay on here will be personal, but they will be longer. I’ve started to write a couple and can’t wait to share. I’ve spent time on these essays, and I encourage you to take the time to read, sit with the words and tell me what you think. I’m doing what’s best for me creatively, but mentally as well, and appreciate your support.
– Chenae ♥
| What I’ve Read: What have big brands done a year after #BlackoutTuesday? “Instead of accepting responsibility for their actions, white people hide behind minimalism and judge people of color for the conspicuous consumption they themselves invented.” From Podcast hosts to Verzuz performers, HipHop continues to not protect Black Women. Interesting read on the history of gender-neutral pronouns. This writer ponders how our view of self and the world is dependent on time. |
What I’ve Binged:
Free Mind by Tems – just listen!
Thank you for being here.