2012 London Olympics: Gold Medalist Gabby Douglas
Because I’ve been a bit busy, a large part of me wanted to wait another week before I wrote another blog entry. Yet, for some reason my message seems to be too much of an important reminder for me not to take a moment to reflect and just get out there. Besides, like plenty of us out here, I’m feeling a burst of inspiration thanks to Gabby Douglas of Virginia Beach, VA. If you don’t know or haven’t heard by now, Gabby is the new golden child. At 16, this supreme gymnast has wowed the country – maybe even the world – in this summer’s Olympics taking place in London. She won a gold medal with her teammates, the Fab Five, in the gymnastics team final. Then yesterday, she won gold in the all around individual women’s gymnastics competition.
She did it with ease, but not without the pain of being separated from her family for a time to train in Iowa and going through the motions of being home sick. What’s admirable, especially for those of us who are Christians, is the fact the she gives God all the glory in her success. She admitted to meditating on scripture before she goes on and she calls it a win/win situation. She gives Him the praise and He continues to bless her.
*pausing for hysterical laughter*
Ok.. I have to explain the laughter. It’s really part of what has taken place in the last couple of weeks and it’s still pouring in.
Can I just say that God is awesome. He is also funny. Something is working in my favor and while I can’t pinpoint what exactly it is yet, I’m going with the flow and praying that others in my circle, mainly my family, can remain patient with me.
In case you missed it, I’m now a freelance writer for Monarch Magazine. My first article is currently featured on their website and is in the print edition of their summer issue. I received a second assignment for their forthcoming fall issue. As the publisher and I were discussing the details of the assignment I asked if it was paying gig. I was informed that it wasn’t paid, but he had hoped it wouldn’t be an issue as my assignment would give me an extra boost and set me up to be a more marketable journalist/writer (a summary of his full statement). I agreed with the point, but my initial reaction was a frown face.
My interpretation of his words suggested that he thought I was a newbie to the journalism game. I wanted him to know that I am new this and that freelancing is basically my livelihood until I can rake in steady (extra) income. After all, I’m a mom. I have a kid to take care of. I wanted him to know my worth.
Still, I didn’t want to be the fool to miss out on an opportunity such as this, and I didn’t want to be the fool to get taken advantage of if I keep doing this for free. I spoke with a couple of mentors and friends who all agreed that the assignment is a boost, but what about payment? I mean, seriously, I’m tired of the financial struggle. I’m 32. I’m ready to elevate to the next level in life.
It took one friend and mentor to say to me:
” I don’t think he sees you as a newbie. I think he is trying to help. The pay off may not be in monetary form. It may be in the form of something else; more opportunities that can lead to the money.”
The same person informed me of a project she did for free and how she worked harder than ever for that particular client. However, the pay off for her was how it positioned her and her business to where it led to more contacts, clients and income. For me there are still some goals I want to achieve, including a documentary on mental health. Perhaps what I do with Monarch is my gateway to towards those goals.
Needless to say, I accepted the assignment and it brought out the hard working journalist in me, especially with the tight deadlines that followed right after I returned from a weekend trip. By that Monday I was calling, emailing and gathering my sources and resources. By Wednesday I had things locked in. By Thursday I was interviewing a source for part one of the assignment. By Friday I was writing and handing it in. By Saturday I was hitting the streets of Georgetown with my camera man and conducting interviews. This week has been about conducting follow ups, clearing up a few hiccups with part two of the assignment and finding time to edit video footage.
It’s been exhausting, but I love it! This is what I do! I will say the people I’m working with have been very gracious. The publisher is very understanding and patient and I believe amazed by the connections in my circle that are willing to help me. My connections are fabulous and each have played a vital role in introducing me to new people who are just as hungry for the exposure but are patient as well.
That same friend and mentor tweeted a week ago:
“So glad I’m not a money chaser. When you’re positioned right and true to your purpose money will follow you. That’s Bible!”
This is exactly how I want to live; true to my purpose as a writer and a journalist. I want my integrity to stay in tact. Today’s world is filled with the young and restless generation. There is pressure to appear on lists (literal or made up in our heads) that are titled “Top 30 Under 30,” or “Top 20 under 40.” Most of our parents groomed us with the mantra of “take your time to grow up.” Yet, the world wants us to grow up fast, even when we’re adults!!!! We’re suppose to have it all by a certain age, and if we don’t have it by then we feel shamed or even doomed. If we had it all by 30 or 35, what would we do with the rest of our lives? What would we have to look forward to? What kind of growth do we gain?
I’m not saying it can’t be possible, but it seems there is an advantage to growing at a pace fit for our individual lives. It’s frustrating as hell, but there’s a reason why you haven’t fully advanced the way YOU want to. Everything has a timing. I firmly believe this, even as restless as I am right now to want to push out of this phase of my life.
Since I took on this two part assignment for Monarch, I was approached about a paying opportunity that could take me down the public relations route. In the time that I’ve been writing this, I’ve been asked about a third assignment that will include Bishop T.D. Jakes. That explains the hysterical laughter as I do feel that something is working in my favor. I also have another potential opportunity in the works, but that depends on how things go next week should I be contacted again.
A month or so ago I had a dream that two guys came to my home and delivered eggs on a multiple layer silver platter. They left the platter of eggs with a valentine’s day card, all meant for me, in the care of my parents. Sad thing is, I hid from the men. Not exactly sure why, unless it was some subconscious fear I have. A friend that is really good in helping me understand my dreams pointed out that the obvious. The eggs meant fertility. Not in a literal sense as in I’m going to have another kid, but more so something new is coming my way. Something new will be born.
*Pausing to look at my emails*
Another opportunity is calling me. Gotta Go! 🙂
Mahoganie: Musings East of the Anacostia River 
Posted on August 3, 2012
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