It’s All About Change
Change. It’s inevitable. We all experience it in some form or fashion. Leaves change color in the Fall, soil erodes, technology advances, children grow up, we lose weight, we gain weight, or our hair becomes unruly and sprouts white strands that stick out all over… Okay, well, my hair does that.
Anyway, my point is that it happens. And lately, my life has been full of change.
First off, the hubby and I moved. Oh. Such. Fun. It wasn’t far, just down the road, but it was still a huge undertaking. Packing, unpacking, downsizing, getting used to new home, neighbors and new neighborhood sounds, helping my furry kids adapt – yeah, loads of fun. But on the upside, it’s a cute place and it has a spots for gardening, which I adore. 🙂
Second, I changed doctors and was once again diagnosed with depression. Not that I had any doubt I was but hearing it was tough, albeit somewhat of a relief at the same time. Not only do I feel better now, I actually feel like I might have a handle on this mental illness that has ruled most of my life. (I’ll post more about that at a later date.)
Third, our finances took a nose dive into the pits of hell. Okay, maybe I exaggerated a bit; they only just rounded the drain. This, of course, forced me to reconsider my life as a stay-at-home writer/household manager. I needed a job.
Months of fruitless job searching brought about change number four: self-employment opportunities.
Yes, I’m an author. However, I’m also a NEW author. I’m still building a readership, my platform, getting my books and name out there to the masses. The profit on that part of my career is pretty dismal and that’s to be expected in the beginning. It takes time and hard work. But in the mean time, I still have bills to pay. What could I do that would contribute to my financial well-being and also be something I enjoy?
The answer was simple: help others authors.
I put out the call to my fellow WANAs and suddenly, things started falling into place. Thanks to this wonderful group of people, I am now doing some freelancing for authors. I offer proofreading and I’ll be doing some virtual author assistant jobs as well.
Don’t get me wrong, there were some times in the last few months that I honestly felt a little lost. Change can do that to you. Everyone kept telling me to keep the faith and to think positive, which is hard when you suffer from depression. But I refused to give up. I kept the negative thoughts at bay and tried to remain optimistic.
And I learned something.
Life is all about changes. They aren’t bad or good, they just are. It’s how you deal with them that really matters.
As for me? I’m going to continue to think positive, to be optimistic, to work hard and to embrace the changes life has in store. And I’m not going to bother with coloring my hair anymore… it’s just going to change back to white anyway. Who knows, maybe it will look good on me?
I love hearing from you. So tell me, have you had many changes in your life lately? How did you deal with them?
October 22, 2013 @ 4:53 PM
“Change is inevitable.” Boy ain’t that the truth. Don’t get me started ’cause I too am struggling a bit with depression these days.
Love the new look to the site! And excited to hear more about your new venture.
October 22, 2013 @ 5:00 PM
Sometimes I think writers and depression go hand-in-hand? Hope you feel better soon, my friend. And Congrats on your book launch today!! It is on my TBR list – and it looks soooo good!! 🙂
October 22, 2013 @ 9:05 PM
Hmm, not sure which is the chicken and which the egg there.
Thanks for putting my story on your tbr list. Hope you enjoy it!
October 22, 2013 @ 11:47 PM
Jennifer, for someone who is battling depression, you sound pretty up girl. I just want you to know that’s how you came across. You know, just in case you wondered. That doesn’t mean that’s how you feel inside. My youngest son is battling depression. Bad depression, as in suicidal thoughts. I have a funny feeling he’s tried and failed. Yeah. So I have compassion for what you are dealing with. Throw in financial difficulties and the clouds just get darker and darker. You know I’ve experienced that too over the last few years, maybe more. It’s really tuff out there. The economy is not rebounding like we’ve been told. Oh no. So I am really happy that you’ve made your own way out. You are a sharp one Jennifer. Good thinking! I wish you all the best of success. You deserve it! {{Hugs!}} 🙂
October 23, 2013 @ 1:01 PM
Hi Karen! I’ve missed you, lady!
Thanks for letting me know that I’m sounding more chipper. It’s been a long road and very challenging to allow the light inside to shine again. I credit the new doctor, my hubby, and a change in my thinking habits. Depression can create a very bad habit of thinking critically of everything – putting a damper on the wonders of life around you. It really does take a constant reminder to stop the old ways and try to see a bright spot. Even if it’s just a speck of light in that dark hole… it’s better than nothing!
I feel for your son. I’ll message you with some thoughts on that. 🙂
But yes, it’s tough not to let the crazy world around us (political chaos, economic repression, people’s attitudes) weigh us down. It helps to have friends to vent with, people who are in your corner no matter what – like you, Karen!! 😀
Big hugs back to you!
October 23, 2013 @ 12:35 PM
Love the site, and you’ve got a great positive attitude. 🙂
October 23, 2013 @ 1:02 PM
Thanks, Piper! I figure there’s only one way to go through this crazy life of mine – with positive determination! lol! Appreciate you stopping by!