Every once in a while, when my family and I visit Canberra, we go to Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre. One of the exhibits is a slide where you are required to let go of a metal bar, allowing yourself to freefall down the slide. Every time I position myself for that drop, sitting on the edge and looking down what is ahead of me, fear tightens its grip. It’s a similar situation when change occurs in your life.
In October 2013, I completed several years of University study; a change was in the air. Then only a few short weeks ago, I received notification that I was unsuccessful in obtaining casual work at my previous employer. As I typed up a couple of emails, making my referees aware of this situation, there were tears in my eyes. Feeling foolish, I could not understand why that was happening. I had come to realise that that particular phase in my life had come to an end. It wasn’t until a few short days later that I compared it to a rejection letter – something I was going to have to get used to in the writing world. Yet, I also began to see the bigger picture. That letter also signified another push for change. Two significant parts of my life were now over and slowly giving me the gentle nudge I needed to begin my writing journey. The message was now clear; the dream of writing for a living – a dream I have had since I was ten years old – could now become a reality.
Letting go of the bar to go down the slide at Questacon is an exhilarating experience. Like being in the front carriage of a roller coaster, it’s a lot of fun. Change can be like that too, but we won’t know unless we allow ourselves to freefall and take a leap of faith.
Have you ever felt circumstances conspired to give you the push you needed for change? Do you allow fear to stop you from reaching your goals? How do you react to change?
Image by Debbie Johansson
Yes. Never. Badly but also with resignation and drive. Good luck in your next chapters Debbie. 🙂
Hi Dimity – lovely to hear from you! This is a big change, so it’s time to really pull my sleeves up and get on with it. Thanks for the support. 🙂
You never know what circumstances will lead you on a road you may not have believed possible. Go with the flow, Debbie and take that chance to write. If I hadn’t resigned from my teaching job five years ago—and that was a scary leap for me—Bloodgifted would never have been written.
Resigning from being a teacher is certainly a big leap Tima, but it looks like you’ve made the right decision! Taking that first big step is the hardest. Thanks for the encouragement. 🙂
My push to get into writing was when I lost my job. I have another one now, not as good, but it got me to thinking about writing for real. Glad you joined the Insecure Writers Support group.
Hi chemistken – good to meet you! It’s funny how things work out sometimes; circumstances can make us realise where our priorities really are. I’m glad you’ve decided to keep on the writing path and I’m looking forward to meeting others in the group. Thanks for stopping by.
Oh, man… those forced changes can be hard to take, but your attitude about it is excellent. You’ll get there! Best of luck to you! I’m sure you’ll land on your feet! (or at least in the water where you can swim)
Hi Hart. I think the reality is just starting to kick in, but I am looking forward to getting back into writing. Thanks so much for your kind words.
Oh I hate change! I feel like the universe is pushing me right now. I feel myself getting all excited and them i take a step back. Well, more like several steps back. Then i start talking myself out of the dream or change. Good luck. I truly believe if we accept things, we can then reach for the stars – or at least find what is waiting for us next.
Thanks M.Ziegler. I know exactly what you mean! I usually spend a lot of time thinking about things, weighing the pros and cons. I’ve talked myself out of a lot different things over the years. I know now that I should spend less time thinking about it and just do it (as the saying goes). Thanks for stopping by – it’s good meeting you.