First, I talked about when and how all these big changes started. Then, I talked about following my bliss for the first time. Today, I’ll wrap things up and cover the rest of my journey (so far).
Once I started working for Kris, I thought I knew everything. Anyone who got in my way, just made me mad. It was a non-stop inspiring, creative, change-making ride and I was having the time of my life. Plus, how could I ask for two cooler bosses? We had a blast (and we still are!), but things have grown and changed over the past two years.
About a year into my time with Kris and Brian, I started writing a new novel. The idea had been brewing in my mind for months, so I decided to try again. I wrote about the step-by-step process in my blog post, “From Idea to Novel to Agent.” On a personal level, my husband was a huge supporter (and amazing brainstorm partner) and my bosses were super encouraging. I remember sitting at Kris’ kitchen table and telling her that I had an idea for a novel. An IDEA. I hadn’t even written a word and she was talking as though I were already published. Brian was the same way. He gave me a book by Joseph Campbell that changed my life–The Hero with a Thousand Faces. Not only did Campbell’s storytelling wisdom help me craft the plot in my novel, but his philosophy of “following your bliss,” seemed too perfect to ignore. Steve, Kris, and Brian never doubted me (I think!) and that helped me believe in myself.
It wasn’t easy adding another dream to the mix. Reaching for two dreams takes a lot of time. At first, I denied how much I wanted to be a novelist because I wasn’t ready to give up dedicating all of my time to my job. I had fused my identity with my job because I loved it so much and I didn’t know where this new priority fit. Luckily, over time, I worked through these challenges with my bosses. It also helped to work with my phenomenal life coach, Margaret. She helped me re-focus and move toward my aspirations in a healthy and productive way.
Today, I still work for Kris and Brian at CSL, but I also have time for my writing. Ta-da! It worked out. Was it an easy-breezy comfortable path to figuring out what works best? Nope. But I’m here now. Through this process I’ve learned to let go of my expectations and to be flexible. I’m happy to say that I have signed with a literary agent and I’m working with her on my book! Who knows what will happen next?
I wouldn’t use the words “secure, comfortable, or predictable,” to describe the past three years, but I would use the words “thrilling, inspiring, enriching, and challenging.” I’m so grateful to those who have helped me along the way. As I write this blog post, countless people come into my mind that I never would have met had I not taken this path.
Before I gush any longer, I’ll just end with Mr. Campbell’s words:
“Follow your bliss.” (I hope you’re following yours!)
In case you missed it, read Part 1 & Part 2!
Tagged as:
books,
Crazy Sexy Life,
inspiration,
Kris Carr,
life coach,
literary agent,
novel,
plot,
Steve,
woodstock,
Writing & Editing
I write. I edit. I love my family, our Charm City rowhouse & my vegan kitchen. Welcome to my cozy corner of the internet.
