"Gradually then suddenly" This line from a poem written by my poet/philosopher nephew strikes a chord with me (Apparently some guy named Hemingway was the first to pen it. Although, I prefer to give the credit to my nephew).
Gradually then suddenly seems to be the way life happens. You wait for your dream-job. You long to find "the one." You can't wait to become a parent. The pining and preparation go on for years (just ask any medical student - or their spouse!). Then suddenly you get the call and can-you-start-next-week; or he finds your wallet and your life changes its trajectory (true story about my niece); or the adoption agency contacts you when you've all but given up hope.
Sometimes the gradually then suddenly isn't of our own choosing. Sometimes life propels us into a suddenly that we don't expect and may not want...or maybe we do.
I've been a litlover since childhood (both reading it and writing it). I've done the work of
an editor and proofreader for twenty-ish years for employers. My husband says I'm sick. I get excited when the new edition of a grammar and punctuation manual comes out. I critique the bestsellers I read. I can't help myself. It helps me hone my skills, and I just think it's fun. I've long played with the idea of freelance editing/writing, but my husband is an associate pastor (not exactly a high-paying job). We need my guaranteed income. Freelancing has always been a pipe-dream.
Until now.
Unbeknownst to me when I took my most recent position, this 8 to 5 guaranteed-income job requires a fair amount of talking. Some days it's a full eight hours. I recently learned that I have a specific type of asthma that is triggered by talking and once triggered, it goes on and on for six to eight weeks. I get three sick days a year. My guaranteed-income job is no longer that.
Suddenly I am propelled to find work that doesn't involve being around people (lest I talk).
Suddenly my dream of freelance writing and editing isn't so much a dream as a necessity.
Suddenly I am uncomfortable. REALLY uncomfortable. I'd hoped to be winding down my work-life about now, but that's not an option. I'm not a risk-taker, but here I am. I'm not a big social media fan, but current marketing wisdom says that's the way to go. Everything around this transition makes me squirm. Everything except the thought of doing what I love.
If you're in the gradually of life, hang on. Suddenly is coming.
My grand daughter. She has nothing to do with this post. She's just cute. 😊
If I was able, I would have this entry published worldwide! You are describing how to live in the present, building your own beautiful future. Courage, perseverance, faith. Thank you!
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