The last few weeks have been full of surprises. All of a sudden, I seem to be receiving many opportunities. Opportunities that I have been wishing for, for so long. You would think that I would be blissfully happy, but my reaction has really surprised me.
Let me give you an example. I was contacted to write some articles for a company not to long ago. We went over the subject matter, length of articles and how many articles I would write. I was thrilled to get this opportunity and was beside myself with happiness for my good fortune. Then, there was a change of events that made me uncomfortable. I almost threw in the towel. I was asked to write a press release. We had not discussed a press release. I was frozen with fear.
This was a huge curve ball. I had prepared myself for writing some articles. I didn’t know the first thing about writing such a thing. I hated to give up the opportunity, but I felt that somehow I had duped this company into thinking I could do things that I had no experience with. I had to remind myself that I hadn’t reached out to this company, nor had I told them I could write something like a press release.
I decided that I would email the company and explain in more detail what my background was. I didn’t want to lose this connection, but I wanted to be straight-forward about what my experience was.
I wrote and explained that although I have written several articles, I had never written a press release. I mentioned that I would be happy to write it and was open to suggestions and editing. I got an email back with an explanation of what they were looking for and a go ahead to do it.
I researched press releases online to get an idea of the way they were set up and how they should sound. I wrote the assignment and had it back to the company in a day. I then crossed my fingers and waited. Turns out, the company was thrilled with what I wrote and I was paid within a day.
I had almost walked away. I have been realizing that I am in unfamiliar territory. My natural reaction tends to be a bit suspicious. I look for the pitfalls and a way to back out. Comfort and familiarity seem to rule over taking a leap towards what I am trying to accomplish.
I began to see such a definite pattern of turning my back on amazing possibilities that I got fed up with myself. I decided to just go for it. When things come my way, I am staying focused on my goals and pushing ahead instead of making up reasons to sabotage myself. I have had enough with not getting to the finish line. I am horrified to realize that the only reason I am not seeing massive success is because of myself.
The hell with comfort, insecurities and doubts. You live one life and I want it to be fun and adventurous. As long as I don’t see great harm coming from an offer, I am determined to take that leap of faith and just do it. Who knows what type of wonderful experiences await me.
What I know is that there have been a flood of opportunities recently. This is not an ordinary daily occurence. I need to honor what is happening and enjoy the ride. At this point I am realizing that if I turn my back on one of these opportunities, I will be left with the what if’s. I don’t want to guess at what could have been. I want to experience what is!
Wendy McCance
To contact Wendy McCance about a writing assignment, interview or speaking engagement, please email her at: [email protected]
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congratulations on your accomplishments… about taking the opportunities and enjoying the ride… It is called… living!
Thanks so much Jose. I couldn’t agree more!!
First of all, congrats on your opportunities. I hope you are taking a moment to really enjoy your success. Having people reach out to you really shows that your talent is being noticed and appreciated. Congrats! Second, i completely understand where you are coming from. For some reason we think that “real writers” look a certain way- or at least we perceive them in a certain light. To realize that YOU are one of those “real writers” can be scary. You handled this situation so well, in my opinion. Instead of throwing in the towel because it was new and scary and not what you expected, you did the reserach and were honest about what you felt you could do. It’s so easy to give up or come up with a “logica/practical” reason why we can’t do something when really it’s fear holding us back. Way to face that fear and knock it out of the park!! Very inspiring!
Vicky
Thanks Vicky. I need to remember these words of inspiration the next time I am faced with these challenges. Thanks so much for your kind words.
What an amazing journey! There are times when success is staring right at you, but fear, and insecurities, stop the best of of us from going beyond. I know how you felt regarding the press release. I have done that in the past, and believe me, the first one for me was the most frightening thing I had ever done. You are are a fighter, and quite confident about your capabilities. I commend you. Change can be your best friend, if you allow it to be. It can take you to areas you only dream about. There are times when one must leave ones confort zone, and go for the gold. Blessings.
Thank you so much, I really appreciate your comment.
Bite off more then you can chew, then chew like hell,
Laurie.
Love that sentiment!
Good authentic stuff once again! When you notice yourself pull back, try to pause … then ask yourself what it is that you fear. If the fear seems anchored to feeling overwhelmed about something you ‘don’t know’ or ‘don’t know how to do’, gently acknowledge this … then supportively & openly ask ask yourself what you would need to learn. Then you can more comfortably proceed to choose, seek, find & do what you want & what it takes. Your response above shows that you openly & authentically shared your concerns with another (in this case the work provider). That worked for you as well. Turning to yourself, to others, or elsewhere … to convey concerns … often results in additional information which can guide and support your steps. You seem to naturally do this; many others do not. Recognize this quality in yourself with pride … as it is more helpful & practical to be able to look for direction and answers these days than to expect yourself to currently have them all yourself. Often the support & direction you need is fairly close within reach. Congratulations. You are continuing to grow through life. Again, I wish you well …
Thanks, and a great way of looking at it.
I experienced something similar recently when someone contacted me asking for Spanish tuition. I hadn’t done any Spanish for a while and was very rusty and nearly backed out completely because I would hate to disappoint anyone by failing to deliver a good lesson. However, I decided to chat to the guy a bit and when he said he was more or less a beginner I decided to give it a shot. The lesson turned out to be really fun and he was very happy and I surprised myself with how much I could teach him.
I learned something that day that I was right to try.
Thanks so much for sharing your experience. What a great story!!
Change is never easy. We think we have it nailed and can overcome the issue any change throw at us until we are really faced with it. I am so glad you figured it out and have gone past the issue to the other side.
It’s funny when you look back and realize that it was so much easier than your mind would have you believe.
I can definitely relate. I just received an offer to copywrite for a newsletter. I’ve never done this before! It’s also a paying job, and a recurring one! I said I would do it, but it is scaring the crap out of me. I’m going to go ahead and do it anyway. It’s a big project and I will be working with an old friend. He does the graphic side of things which he is great at. So he knows I’ve never done copywrite work , but knows it is something I wanted to break into. This job fell in both our laps. Good for you for doing what you thought you couldn’t. Now I’m going to follow your example!
You are going to do great. It’s wonderful that you can go into this project with your friend aware that this is new for you. I wish you continued success.
I wish the same for you Wendy! here’s to us both!
Love it!!
I tend to like change. Of course I, like everyone else, only like change when it’s for the better. Sometimes people try to fix things that aren’t broken. I think one should always be on the lookout for areas in which to make positive changes.
I agree.
As I was reading this I thought look it up on the internet and take a chance. I am glad you did! Now you can add that to your portfolio of writing. Good for you:)
Thanks so much.
So glad that you didn’t pass up that opportunity! Remember, you are the “Little engine who could”. Great post-thanks for sharing your news with us.
Thanks so much Sylvia. Have a great day.
I think you are on a life changing roll! Go for it! Remember the only thing to fear is fear itself! You have our support also!
Thanks so much for the kind words. Living life is an ever changing process. I think as long as you stay real with yourself, you can make tweaks along the way and have some amazing experiences.