It's not impossible!

"Never say Impossible - the word itself says I'm Possible!" Audrey Hepburn

Years ago I was told by the person who was supposed to be closest to me that I was wasting my time... I was told that my website and my writing were a waste of time. They weren't contributing to the family. I was also told that social media was a waste of time... and "who uses it, anyway?"

Through my blog, The Entertaining House, I had found a passion. I had found an outlet for my creativity. Through The Entertaining House I had found a sense of inner peace and a sense of pride. I was creating and perfecting my craft. I had become my own editor of my own magazine. When a post was finished I felt a sense of accomplishment. I got a great source of pleasure and satisfaction and there was nothing as rewarding as a comment left by a reader. My writing, my work, my pieces were being appreciated and enjoyed. And people were coming back for more, and more and more began stopping by. Eventually I would be listed as a recommended read on top blog in the US, UK and France. Editors, press, and brands started to reach out to me. 

I got my first writing assignments as a direct result of my website. I wasn't getting paid back then but a steady stream of requests were starting to come my way. I knew that in order to make a name for myself I would have to do a little bit of work for free. I was told that I was wasting my time still. How could I be wasting my time when the very thing that I was doing was making me the happiest? For I am happiest when I create. I am happiest when I write, when I tell or share a story. I didn't listen to the naysayer but, for the first time in my life, I decided to follow my heart and my passion. Dreams are meant to be chased. Goals are meant to be set. I worked hard at creating and perfecting my craft. I can see the improvement and maturation and I am proud of what I have created and what I have become. Slowly assignments started coming my way. Some paid minimally, but they paid. But the more I produced the more I was requested and sought after. I've had some bumps in the road, and as with any creative process and any consulting position some good things come to an end... and yet I have always believed that when one door closed another was about to open - that smaller projects would give way to bigger projects. I knew that when one project ended another would be just around the corner. Through this all the social media that apparently no one ever uses has been a tremendous vehicle for my craft... It has helped me spread the word. It has been invaluable in helping me promote myself and promote others. It seems, that over the years, I have become quite the expert in this relatively new field. I understand what works and what doesn't and the power that it has when used properly and how it can be incredibly helpful and rewarding... As I've dabbled I've had my ears and eyes wide open and I've learned incredible amounts. I had no idea just how much I learned and how much I knew until I was brought me in to see if I could potentially help their company - to be their voice and represent their brand. I sort of amazed myself with my answers. But I never wavered and I never faltered. For I knew. I knew I had the right answers. I've listened and watched the best. Sometimes the best form of communication, I have learned, is done when no words have been spoken. Watching and, listening and learning are crucial. 

Over the past couple of months, through word of mouth, through friends who have watched me learn and grow, my plate is becoming quite full. Soon there will be a pile on top of it. Soon, very soon, I will have to say thank you but no thank you - I simply cannot take another bite! And while I have incredible friends who have done nothing but support me and been faithful to me, I have to give myself some of the credit as well. I have to credit myself for working so hard - for the determination and the hours I have logged... For not allowing myself to give up and not telling myself that what I wanted wa silly or nonsensical or a waste of time. Because none of that was true. None of that is true. Dreams and hopes are not a waste of time. 

I am waiting for approval for the Big Project... for the go ahead... it's been several months in the works... emails, phone calls, meetings. I am not going to give up. I not only know I can spearhead this project but I know that it is perfect for me and I am perfect for it. I won't give up. I will remain patient and determined... THIS is what I dreamed of 5 years ago. Success doesn't happen overnight... and I have a long way to go. But I have come so far. And I am determined to get the job and get the job done. I'm not there yet. I can't just yet say that I am a success, but each and every day I am a step closer. And I am pleased and I am proud. And I will not give up! 

And nor should you - whatever it is that you want to do or be, do it... go for it! You will be so glad you did! So whether you're just starting out or you're starting over, don't let anyone or anything get in your way... especially your own fears!

Jessica