Inspirations: On Fear and Grabbing Opportunities

Less than 24 hours ago, I experienced quite a shock, but of the good kind. I received a tweet from someone I didn’t know. Now, that’s not something extraordinary because I do get tweets and follows from people all over the world. It was the message that surprised me.

The Surprise Opportunity

This person, who happens to be the Assistant to the Features Editor of an online lifestyle magazine based in London (yes, you read that right!) asked me, on a tweet no less, if I wanted to contribute editorials for their site. I couldn’t quite believe my eyes when I saw that message. I didn’t think she was serious. I honestly thought it was one of those pesky spam messages on Twitter.

But then we got to exchange emails and I found out that the offer was REAL. Oh my gosh! Me? Write for a London-based online lifestyle magazine? Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh!!!!

I honestly wanted to cry (and I eventually did). When I decided to focus on my writing career at the start of this year, I had no idea where it will lead. I only knew that I wanted to keep chasing my dream, write more and earn from that. That decision has truly paid off as I took on more writing jobs this year. But I actually applied for all those jobs. This new offer was being presented to me without me having to apply for it. Can you say “blessed”? #unbelievable

Now, you would think I would immediately jump at the chance to work for this London-based site (I can’t get over saying it’s from LONDON), but I didn’t. I had to seriously think about it. First of all, I had recently accepted another writing client and it would already make my schedule quite full. Taking on this new opportunity would mean I’d have to spend more time working with less time for family, chores and other stuff. But at the back of my mind, it wasn’t really the time that concerned me. I knew, based on how supportive my hubby and kids have been, that they would back me up. The truth is, I was scared to death!

The Fear

I was scared because hello, this is a LONDON-based site (I’ll reveal which one on a future post). While I have written for foreign clients before, they were always for content marketing purposes and I never had a byline. This one is different. Not only will I have a byline, I will also be included in their Contributors page. Plus, I also have to learn their style guide and write to cater to their specific audience. I wasn’t sure I was good enough for the job. What if I fail? What if I screw it up? I was so scared that I really ended up crying to a friend online (Thanks, Millie!).

The thing about fear, though, is that it could be crippling. It can prevent one from taking risks and experiencing wonderful and new things. It can cause people to remain complacent. Fear can prevent one from becoming successful. Fear can be so strong it can prevent you from living your dream. On Instagram and Facebook, I keep using the hashtag #chasingdreams because that’s what I’ve been doing all year. But did I want to just keep chasing my dream instead of actually living it?

In an effort to squash that fear away, I spent an hour scouring for inspirational quotes that will motivate me (haha!) and posted them on Instagram. This is the first one I grabbed.

I realized that this really was a once in a lifetime opportunity that is way too good to pass up. Who knows where this opportunity can take me in the future? I really don’t want to miss the chance to find out.

I also found these other quotes that pretty much helped seal the deal for me yesterday.

Then, my friend, Millie, share with me yesterday’s daily devotions quote, which said:

Live inspired! Follow where the Lord takes you.

I think that pretty much says it all. Don’t you think?

The thing is, when I first decided to leave the corporate world to become a work-at-home mom two years ago, I had no time to think about it and just jumped at the chance. It was a huge risk but it was one that paid off well. Never have I regretted that decision. At that time, an opportunity like this was just a far off dream. Now that it’s here, though, it’s overwhelmingly scary. What do you do when your dreams start coming true?

The Decision

Well, I finally decided to grab it. Yay! I’m still so scared I want to puke. My stomach still keeps on churning. My heart is pumping wildly. Two days in and I’m still in an unbelievable high. And I start working soon – as in now. #OMG

I am incredibly thankful for this blessing. God has truly been listening to what’s in my heart. But please pray for me. I want to do really well in this new endeavor. I only have high hopes that this will lead me to where I’m supposed to go. Wish me luck!