Life is about creating yourself

So much for having extra time to work on little things like my Web site this summer! But, I’m not complaining. (No really, I’m not.)

While I wish this site was more put together by now, it isn’t. (So what? The earth’s still turning!)

Instead of learning all I can about digital photography, Adobe’s CS4 professional suite, WordPress and the Thesis Theme (like I planned), I’ve been busy cranking out copy — which is important since every article I work on gets me a little closer to my ultimate goal of being a highly successful freelance writer. I’ve also been learning about digital photography by way of making oodles of mistakes. (Hey. We all have to learn somehow.)

Plus, at the start of summer, I had one idea for my business and now I have another … so, I’m glad I didn’t spend a huge amount of time and money creating a Web site that wouldn’t suit my needs today. I’m also back to the point where the idea of hiring someone to make my Web site something special is much more appealing than trying to do it on my own.

And, frankly, I’m happy with the change of direction and mindset. I’m doing what I love (research and writing) instead of doing what I don’t (getting sucked into the vortex of managing other people and watching my dreams spiral into what would have become a public relations firm).

I thought — for sure — I’d be scrambling to make ends meet and panicking about my impending school loan bill about right now. Instead, I’m invoicing more and more each month and only panicking about when clients will actually pay them, scrambling to make ends meet and a little less stressed about my impending school loan bill. (Still working on that savings account cushion I was supposed to have before I dove headlong into freelancing. D’oh.)

Much to my surprise, I haven’t had to do any advertising — people keep coming to me asking for writing help in one form or another. That’s a terrific problem, especially in the midst of The Great Recession.

What I’m quickly learning, however, is that I don’t have to take on every client that comes my way. I’m also learning, if I want to sleep, I have to call in reinforcements.

Not only am I becoming be more choosy about the assignments I take on, I’ve begun outsourcing (and giving away) work to other trusted freelancers. And, in big news, I’ve hired a temporary employee to help with some of the day-to-day administrative stuff that tends to bog me down.

Meanwhile, I’m proud to report that one of my stories was on the cover of Creative Loafing, I’m focusing on issues that mean a lot to my community, I’m part of an amazing group of correspondents for Crossroads Charlotte and I’m starting to query national magazines and get serious about my book project.

Here’s the bottom line: As much as I love writing about my community, my ultimate goals reach beyond its borders. My hope is I will always have a place in the local media. At the same time, my focus is on stretching my personal and professional limits.

So, I repeat: I’m not where I thought I’d be and I’m so glad.