Take the Chance

“Let me tell you something kid; Everybody gets one chance to do something great. Most people never take the chance, either because they're too scared, or they don't recognize it when it spits on their shoes.” — The Sandlot

These past two weeks have been a whirlwind, and I'm proud of what I've accomplished:

• Pushing the publish button on my first book

• Doing my first podcast interviews

• Hosting a launch party

• Writing 20,000 words of Book 2

• Starting planning for a very-distanced National Park summer trip

• Successfully getting my dogs to leave the deck to pee in the snow

Thank goodness I'm on a break from work!

This break has allowed me to reflect on the fact that I've had some pretty good jobs. I attended an amazing liberal arts college, flourished at USA TODAY, graduated from a top business school, and worked from home for Aetna while birthing and raising four kids. Yet, somehow, I’ve conducted more informational interviews these last two weeks than I have the past few years. For some reason, young people want to talk to me more and hear what I have to say. They want career advice from me. Me, the person who doesn’t actually have a job.

There’s one reason I attribute that to: I’m following my dream. I’m pursuing my passion and I’m enjoying life.

Right now, I’m working my magic in marketing (my trade) to promote my goals. It’s tough as a first-time author who started with a minute social media presence in a field that adores likes and follows. It’s hard for me to put myself out there. I’m introverted and want to stay in my shell. I'm relying heavily on my network. And to those of you still with me, thank you. I am so appreciative.

I enjoy writing. And I'm not half-bad.

Like those kids in the Sandlot, I am scared. Many, many times I don’t recognize the great things in my life and my potential. I do know that I’m an eager traveler, a good mom, and becoming the writer I always hoped I could be.

And that's because I'm taking a chance.