Photo via xzoeamberx
I rarely toot my own horn, but today I’m going to do it…just a little.
It’s been a year since I told myself that it was going to be my last year in the classroom, and it’s almost been that long since I actually quit my teaching job to write full time.
Sometimes I forget just how little time has gone by. Although it feels like I’ve been writing forever (in some ways I have), I can’t believe that it’s only been 357 days since I started this journey.
While it’s hasn’t been easy (my checks still haven’t come), I could never picture going back to my old life where I dreaded Monday mornings and I got that sinking feeling in my stomach just thinking about work. Although things haven’t been smooth sailing along the way, it has been a remarkable year.
In just 12 months I’ve visited three countries (London, Paris, and the Bahamas), learned how to ride a Harley, started the #GOALdiggers, written an ebook, and realized my lifelong dream of getting into print.
When I set out on this course, I was pretty certain that writing for the web would be my niche, and it still is, but in the span of—literally—9 months I’ve gone from no print clips to finding my articles in a mag across the Pond (shout out to BLACKHAIR) and in JET magazine nearly every, single month.
It’s been an amazing journey, but I know it’s only the beginning.
Sometimes I wonder if I deserve to be this blessed, and how the heck I am making this life work (on such little money and a whole lot of luck). But I try not to question it because when we begin to doubt ourselves, our dreams die just a little bit. They get crushed under the weight of our “rational” inner dialogue. So I embrace all of the opportunities that come my way and continue to dream—big, scary dreams—because I know they will come true.
How about you? What are you dreaming of? Are you confident they will come true? Please leave a comment and share your thoughts.
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After reading this I have decided, enough with all the procrastination. I’m gonna go ahead and start writing every day starting from today. Thank you!
Cool Coach Dukes! Glad you decided to commit to yourself!
Hi Britni,
Congrats on your success! I’m also curious as to how you got started and how were you able to make the leap between your former profession and writing with no published work or portfolio to show? Your story is truly inspirational, keep following your passions!
Hey Samone,
I’ve been blessed. But I’ve always been a writer & I’m a longtime blogger. Blogging and building web-based clips is what has helped me the most. I’ve gotten all of my print gigs due to the countless articles I wrote for the web.
Here’s a post I wrote for new writers: http://britnidanielle.com/2012/07/30/want-to-break-into-freelance-writing-here-are-4-tips-for-new-writers/
Also, if you want…meet me over in my #GOALdiggers Facebook group. We can talk more in depth + you can ask questions and get advice from others. http://www.facebook.com/groups/TheGOALdiggers/
I am so proud of you!!!! Keep going.
I love the last paragraph. It is truly a blessing to be living out your dreams. Thank you for this piece of encouragement.
Thank you Britni. I, like you have been writing for a while and seeking to learn more, soak up all I can from other successful (travel) writers and bloggers improve and makes some leaps of my own as well! I will go to the Goaldiggers FB group. Thanks so much!
Yes! I believe dreams do come true, if you go after them then the possibility of them coming true are high! You must believe in them. I made the decision to quit my job (tedious 9-5) with the government and finally take the steps to move to Kenya (birthplace) for an awesome job opportunity! The decision was so hard but I said hey why not? Things have to work after sacrificing so much! Reading one of your posts really helped to put some things in perspective for me and I thank you Britni! Keep up the awesome work and congrats to you!! -Von
Your posts are always so encouraging. I’ve recently decided to recommit myself to a dream I’ve had since I was 15. Thanks for all you do.
Britni I am so happy for you. I read your articles regularly in Clutch and Jet. I think its awesome your able to find a balance living your dream and traveling. I’ve finally decided not to take my work home with me and like you I’m trying new hobbies. So inspiring. Be blessed.
Morgan
Congratulations!