I’m following my dream, no matter what. Somehow, some way, I’m going to make it as a writer. That’s what I keep telling myself. And most days I have a lot of faith in my talent and my ability to make my dream come true. But some days….well, let’s just say that I lose my faith. When that happens, I obsess over whether I am on the right path. Several times over the past couple of months I have come very close to giving up my dream and just getting another job. But each time, something happens to prevent me from giving up. A couple of months ago I was feeling the pressure, when I received an email from my friend, Ron, telling me that he had just been diagnosed with stage four colon cancer. His unhappy news made me realize, once again, that life is short and I should never give up on my dreams. I need to spend the remainder of my life doing what I love.
Lately, I’ve felt myself sinking into a quagmire of doubt once again. Again I was rescued. This time my friend, Joan, emailed the following video to me. It features Paul Potts, a contestant in the Got Talent reality TV show, which is the British version of American Idol. When Potts, an unassuming cell phone salesman, strolled awkwardly onto the stage for his first audition and announced that he was going to sing opera, you could almost see to Simon Cowell and his fellow judges cringe. But just seconds after Potts opened his mouth, their raised eyebrows turned to looks of astonishment. The judges called his performance “magical” and one of them said it “gave her goose pimples.” Please take a moment to watch his video; you’ll be so glad you did!
Potts won the competition this past July and has since been performing all over the world, recording two albums, appearing on NBC’s Today Show, and best of all, performing for Her Majesty the Queen at the Royal Variety Performance ten days ago. As Paul Potts knows only too well, dreams can come true. He finally went after his and I’m going after mine.
Barbara, I just found your blog tonight. I often go to read the blogs when I’m feeling down or hope that one thing will lead to another adventure.
Like you, my story is so close to what you say, yet I’m about 15 years younger. I’ve moved from one country to the next and immigrated to another one. The thing I still question every day is why am I doing something I hate. And more importantly, what can I do to get back to where I was, my paradise.
I too found that video so inspirational. And at the present time, I’ve hit a road block and am really questioning my next stage of my story… Not sure of any direction I will be headed, but I keep hoping it will be with travels.
Anyhow, you are very inspiring and I’ve enjoyed your short posts!
Hi Expatraveler: Thanks so much for leaving me a comment and for your lovely compliments. I am quite sure you will find your path. Meditate on it and be willing to follow the path the Universe lays out before you.I will be hoping for he best for you!
I just recently watched a friend run the San Diego rock n’ Roll marathon and though I could never see my self running let alone walking 26 miles, I have so much admiration for those who have accomplished such a goal. My dream is to run day run a marathon myself… keep your dreams alive…
Never, ever give up your writing dream. You just need to work as hard as you can, beleive in your self and it will happen.
Try to join writersdigest.com/forum; they have weekly writing prompts to keep you motivated, a lot of informations about publishing, feelance writing and feedback from the members.
I enjoy reading your stories.
Keep writing,
Teuta
It’s just crazy how much talent there is out there that will never be found. Potts performance was great.
I remember watching this the first time, and feeling like I was going to cry– especially when the audience applauded and rallied to show support. Who wudda thunk it?! Take a bow, Barb… we all applaud you!