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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.

Image from WeHeartIt
Image from WeHeartIt

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.

Image from WeHeartIt
Image from WeHeartIt

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!


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26 Comments

  1. Soar high!

    1. I will! πŸ™‚ Thanks for the support!
      Janice Lim recently posted…Inspirations: On Fear and Grabbing OpportunitiesMy Profile

  2. go go go Ice πŸ™‚ i’s so happy for you πŸ™‚

    1. Thanks, Chrissy! I’m happy for me too. πŸ™‚
      Janice Lim recently posted…Inspirations: On Fear and Grabbing OpportunitiesMy Profile

  3. wow! This post is so inspiring! You go mum!! You are right, its a once in a lifetime opportunity so don’t allow fear to put it into waste. I worked with Brits a couple of years back (and a couple other nationalities too) and I must say that they are the easiest to work with. Honest, straight to the point and very kind. They’d treat you as a friend. I’m still friends with most of them. Goodluck!!!
    Celerhina Aubrey recently posted…Mothers Know BestMy Profile

    1. Thanks! That’s good to know. πŸ™‚ I’ve mostly worked only with Pinoys and Americans before, although I’ve also written for Australian sites.
      Janice Lim recently posted…Inspirations: On Fear and Grabbing OpportunitiesMy Profile

  4. That’s awesome! I’m happy for you. I’m glad you decided to grab it. I’m sure you’ll do great.
    Renz recently posted…Workshop Alert for Pinay Mompreneurs: Ready? LetҀ™s Create Your Own Product!My Profile

  5. I say go for it!!!! It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity.. don’t let it pass! πŸ™‚
    Rhea Bue recently posted…Blithe TownMy Profile

  6. Go Mommy Janice! Opportunity comes once in a lifetime! I’m so happy for you! You can do it Mommy!

  7. Go for it! You wouldn’t want to regret it in the future pag di mo kinuha now. πŸ™‚
    Aleigna Tejada recently posted…Expo Mom 2012My Profile

  8. I was afraid you’d tell us you didn’t grab the opportunity! I know you already decided, but yes, go for it! It’s not every day this kind of opportunity pops up. Good luck!
    Maan recently posted…Christmas Gift Idea: Hot Rod City PlaymatMy Profile

  9. Perfect! And, thanks for the special mention! Hehehe..:) Well, like what I said: “It’s your time to shine.” You write passionately and your readers (and followers) see that. Our lives need to be inspired and afresh with His goodness every day. With this good news, you filled everyone with hope and the true meaning of #blessings.
    Millie recently posted…5 Essential Reasons of Having Family Photos #PhotoshootMy Profile

    1. Awww, Millie, iiyak na naman ako nyan! Haha! πŸ™‚
      Janice Lim recently posted…Inspirations: On Fear and Grabbing OpportunitiesMy Profile

  10. I agree with Millie. You write with so much passion, especially since the #chasingdreams hashtag started appearing on your posts. (heehee, I noticed! :))

    Congratulations, Janice. I’m very happy for you.
    May De Jesus-Palacpac recently posted…Betrayed by a BloggerMy Profile

    1. That means so much coming from you, May! πŸ™‚ Thanks a lot. πŸ™‚
      Janice Lim recently posted…Inspirations: On Fear and Grabbing OpportunitiesMy Profile

  11. congratulations!!! glad that you didn’t let the opportunity slip away … keep in mind that you were chosen to do the job because they know you can do it πŸ™‚

  12. Good luck Janice, you are a good writer and I know you can do it.

  13. Congratulations Janice! You’re one of the best writers I know.
    Peachy @ The Peach Kitchen recently posted…Uncle Tetsu Cheesecake at SM MOAMy Profile

  14. Congratulations dear! Chase your dreams, you will never know how far they will lead you πŸ™‚ The best of luck to more to come <3
    Shivani recently posted…Markets Fourteen at Jaya One EventMy Profile

  15. Congrats! This is a great opportunity to showcase what you can do and its good to know you went for it πŸ™‚
    Ayi recently posted…TMC Tips for a Stress-Free and Organized 2015My Profile

  16. Congrats, Janice! No wonder that you get many great opportunities. You excel in what you do! Keep it up and keep on inspiring people!
    SJ Valdez | All-Around Pinay Mama recently posted…This is the Season for the SM Pamaskong Handog Para sa Global PinoyMy Profile

  17. Congratulations! Good thing you chose to try it out. You wouldn’t know if you’re good or bad at something if you don’t give it a try, right? πŸ™‚
    Yvonne Bertoldo recently posted…It takes GUTZ to be a Guttierez in Paradizoo Theme Farm in Mendez, Cavite and Residence Inn, Tagaytay under Zoomanity GroupMy Profile

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