Dear Me

Dear Me

Well, girl you made it through another year. Congratulations! It was a tough one. There were some difficult times last year. It seemed like an uphill climb some days but you got through. Every year has its share of struggles and triumphs and 2014 was no different. It's over now. Let it go. You tore that calendar down on December 31st and you’re looking forward to the new year ahead. Who knows what could happen? There are no guarantees of anything. It's all there just waiting for you. The open highway, the road less traveled. The road less traveled. I like that. It has a nice connotation to it. Just think, the path is spread out before you. Everything is ahead of you. There is nothing to keep you from this new venture........... but you.
So.... the big question is-what are you going to do about it? I know that it's frightening to think about trying something new but also very exciting at the same time. I know you have some big plans ahead. GOOD FOR YOU!! That's the hardest part-making a plan.
The deadline is April 1. No fooling. Ninety days is all you have to make this plan work. Time is of the utmost importance so you had better not waste it. The starting pistol has gone off. You're just standing at the starting line. Time to get going. This is not a leisurely sprint; it’s a full-out marathon. Stop procrastinating and get moving. What is the worst that can happen?
This is the year that you launch that freelance writing business. GO FOR IT!! You made a brave decision and left the old job behind. Some would say that it's a crazy thing to do, however, you were never one for convention. Writers are a bit of a strange bunch. They are creative and don't fit into any particular mold. That's good. Viva la difference!! Be aware, however; there will be bumps and scrapes along this stretch. The dust will get in your eyes and you might lose sight of where you are headed. The signs may not seem clear. There will be detours. It's all O.K. Just remember what road you're on and where you want to go.
Yes, I know you're scared. Everybody is when they start out. Your heart is thumping like a race horse. You don't know which course to take to move ahead. You might get lost. You could fail. That's very possible. You may be hurt by the rejection. There are a lot of people out there who would just love to see you fall on your face and come in last. You could and that's fine too. You won’t know until you try so get up, brush yourself off and keep going. Why? Because you have every chance of succeeding. It may all work out for you. Don't fear the possibility of success. You have had enough experience with failure so that is what you expect. Put that aside. Keep looking down the road and straight ahead. Don't misunderstand me. It's going to require very hard work and long hours. Pace yourself. You don't want to burn out before the finish line. It will take plenty of inner strength to keep going when you want to quit. It might look bleak some days. There are many who are much farther ahead than you might be right now. You will wonder what you were thinking to ever start this. Don't give up on yourself. Keep pushing through. DON'T QUIT!! There are people along the sidelines who believe in you. They may not say much right now but they are there. Those are the ones who you have to think about. Forget the nay Sayers. They are just trying to trip you up and get you to give up. What do they know ? Treat them like wild animals in the woods. You know that they are there. Give them their distance and don't let them slow you down.
Most of all I believe in you. I have seen many difficulties in your life and you have overcome them. Don't kid yourself; there will be many more but those will only serve to make you stronger. Just think, maybe all those trials and tribulations will make great writing material someday.
You're off to a good start. Practicing your writing every day is the best way to begin. READ. READ. READ. Read books, magazines,blogs,articles, even the cereal box. Anything! Just read. Limber up your mind. Join online forums and get support. Find other like-minded individuals out there who will help and encourage you every step of the way. Be open to criticism as long as it's constructive. Don't let it become personal. It's all there to help. Ignore the negative junk. Listen to new ideas. That is how you learn and grow. If you can't take the rejection then you should think twice about being a writer. There will be a lot of it. Ask anyone who has ever launched a writing career and they will tell you the same thing. You are no different that way. They all started down this road the same way. No one falls into it. It is hard work!! The thing to remember is to keep one foot in front of the other. Keep moving forward. Look straight ahead. Forget what you left behind. You have everything to gain and nothing to lose.
Don't forget to THINK. I know that sounds silly but thinking is a like a muscle that has to be trained and worked out every day. It will drain you some days and other times it will seem as if it just isn't there. Push through. What you are looking for will come to you when you need it. Be creative. Try new things or do the old things a new way. Keep going. You're on the right track.

You have set goals for yourself this year. You will have your website up and running within three months. The deadline again is April 1. No fooling. You have been listening to speakers and pod casts on how to set up a writer's website. EXCELLENT!! You have joined groups like Writing.com(nice plug) where you can practice your writing skills and get feedback. You are also working on building a portfolio so you can show prospective clients what you are capable of. I understand that you have decided to take an editing and proofreading course online to add to your skills. It should be finished within six months? WAY TO GO!!
It looks like you are really serious about this writing business. I am right with you (no pun intended). I believe in you. You can do this. Don't let anyone tell you anything different. You're smart, creative, and beautiful (yes I said beautiful). And humble, of course. You have so much going for you. I see the road ahead and it looks like a good one. With hard work, determination, support and faith in yourself you will do great things. I am cheering you on. Keep looking forward. You can do this. I will see you at the finish line.............

You go girl!!!





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