Happy New Year

Climb, Climb, Climb

They say that the worst thing is to be never satisfied.  To always want more, no matter what we have and how many dreams we’ve accomplished and possessions we have.

Normally, I’d agree with that.

Tonight, however, I made margaritas, and tequila apparently puts me in a pensive mood.

It’s ok to never be satisfied.  It’s ok to always look ahead, plan for the next big thing, strive for something bigger.  How would we grow if we didn’t keep climbing?

The way I see it, there’s a difference between being satisfied and being comfortable.  I’ve been comfortable…I was a nanny for 3 years, and I basically stopped looking for my dream job because the work was easy, the money was good, and I was comfortable.  It’s the classic anecdote – you get stuck at your dead end, 9-5 job and before you know it 30 years have gone by and you’re wondering where time went and why you never did get to those ideas and dreams you’d planned.  You’re happily stuck, because you can pay your bills, have a little bit of fun on the weekend, maybe save a little.  And so there you stay.

However, on the other hand…you could apply to grad school and get your Masters in social work.  You could go to nursing school and work your way up.  You could apply to vet school and open your own practice.  Or, you could quit your job in that field you really didn’t like anyway and get a part-time job editing books and fill in the rest of your days prospecting for clients that desperately need your writing assistance.  And then, after you’ve done that for a few years, you can start your own magazine.  And then you can go back to school, get your PhD, and teach.  You can then finally publish that novel, or collection of short stories, or memoir.

See?  Never be satisfied.  Always want more.  Because life is so damn short…it’s up to us to make our lives the way we want them.  Don’t ever settle.

This is It

I can finally announce what’s been happening behind the scenes for awhile now.

Ahem.

As of Monday, May 26, I will be accepting a job as an assistant editor at a local publishing house.  I will also be launching full-tilt into my freelance writing.

I honestly could not be more excited.

Just imagine…I graduated from college 5 years ago today.  I’ve spent all that time looking, searching, clawing my way around the job market that is Atlanta, only coming up empty handed, time and again.  But here…it’s 2014.  It’s finally happening.  The life I’ve always wanted is standing before me, and it’s mine for the taking.  I don’t know if it’s a result of hard work or luck; perhaps a smidgeon of both.  All I know is that I’m ready.  I’m at peace.  This is where I’m meant to be, and I’m going to embrace it with both arms.

Let’s go, people.  This is it.