Finding the passion within.
Taking the leap and trusting it will be ok
Microphone is popping again. Apologies for the sound quality!
Another week, another avoidance of writing. I think I’m tired of my desk so I’m sitting on my couch to do something different.
Doing something different has been the message the last couple of days. Max (who I have mentioned before) did a impromptu coaching session with me on Wednesday which resulted in me turning the computer table on an angle and facing the window. That did make a big difference in my mood.
The singing is more consistent since my last post. I now have an hour blocked out every afternoon for Duolingo, Yousician (I really miss having the unlimited practice time on the premium plan), and singing some songs. I have no interest in singing scales but I figure if I just get back into the habit the scale work will come in due time.
I’ve been getting multiple messages to just write.
I was on a webinar Wednesday night titled The Power of Your Story: How Your Lived Experiences Connect to Your Purpose. The facilitator told me at the end to ignore the messages I got about how the work I want to do isn’t saleable. She said that every project she ever launched she was told it wouldn’t sell but it always found its audience because others were going through what she went through.
She offered to help me find places to sell my writing. I was reminded that a few months ago I applied to be part of a professional writers site. I submitted some writing and then I forgot about it. Later, I was accepted but I haven’t filled out the registration to get put on the list.
Thursday was Sam Bennett’s weekly session and in it we talked about shadow goals, the ones we’re afraid to tell anyone else about, and how to give them space and attention.
In my inbox, I got this post:
I also pulled cards from a bunch of my oracle decks to gain some clarity. (Some are scattered throughout this post.) Two cards were very specific about me doing what I feel passionate about.
My dream as a teenager was to write for Simon and Simon (yes, that dates me). I had two options for post-secondary - go to Sheridan and do their (now defunct) course on screenwriting which encompassed various media, or go to York and try to get into the Creative Writing program. I looked at all the various courses at Sheridan and thought that I didn’t have the life experience to come up with enough material, so I chose to go to York.
I don’t regret going to York but now I wish I had applied again to Sheridan after I finished and learned about all those various media (it included journalism and documentaries). I didn’t because I finally got to take a screenwriting course in third year and discovered I had a hard time thinking of locations. I love dialogue. That’s what brought me to theatre. Yet I’ve never written a play. (Ok, there’s was that book of a musical I wrote when I was in Sydney but it never went anywhere.) Every once and a while I feel the urge for some creative writing and write fan fiction. So in a way I did end up writing for tv after all.
What I do feel passionate about is making the world a happier place. I’ve learned a lot of tools over the years and I would like to introduce them to others. Max suggested I take the various sessions of the Happiness Academy that are in my head and offer them a la carte. I had envisioned selling it as a high-end intensive. That was what I was told wouldn’t sell. Then I thought of making it available to people just coming out of crisis who don’t know where to go next (like finishing a health journey or coming out of a bad personal or work situation) and offering it gratis to organizations that support these people. I haven’t done any work on that though.
This is also why I go back and forth on coaching. I’m not interested in travelling with someone on their journey. I’m interesting in being the catalyst, giving them the information they need and then we’re done. Max suggested I put together a short package of sessions that would teach the tools that people need then let them run. I do like the idea of a short commitment with a client, even if that isn’t the best business model.
So yes, all signs are pointing to my writing. I even got a call today about a job I applied for. I’d love to have it. It’s working for an organization I knew very well from my theatre days, doing outreach designed to create new audiences for the performing arts, and it’s part-time, which would give me time for doing freelance writing and this here blog. Doing some Happiness Academy coaching stuff as well.
Speaking of blogs, I’ve I’ve set up another blog here on Substack but haven’t launched it yet. I still need to do graphics for it and I’m working on importing older posts from my Facebook page. For many years over stretches of time I’d write a Song of the Day post, sharing a song (I try to get the official video on YouTube so the view goes to the artist) and a little bit about why it calls to me. Anyway, as we all know, the Facebook algorithm is screwed so I thought, why not have it here as well where people can subscribe and it will be easier to find? I’ve been putting up the new posts in the blog as well as posting on Facebook so if you’re interested in checking it out, you can do so here.
(Reminder that I also do oracle card readings and the links for the decks in this post are my Amazon Associates links.)
Can I have this life? One where my intuition and creativity support me? And can I overcome my resistance to doing this kind of personal work? Stay tuned!