Message from Mom on my 28th birthday in 2008.
My horoscope from last week’s (2/28/13) Washington Post Express;
Aquarius: Your prospects are good, but you may be looking too far ahead to see what is right around the corner.
Not that I deeply believe in horoscopes, but sometimes it can be an interesting insight into whatever the current situation is in my life. After a very productive February I’m entering March with some awesome news that I’m dying to share with everyone, but I still have to lock in a few logistics to make it a reality. Once this is solidified, I’m not sure what this means or where this will take me, but I’m in. I actually stood in the mirror and went “Ok Jesus. Where are WE going?”
February I was given assignments to interview a few well known figures. Two included Earvin “Magic” Johnson’s wife, Cookie Johnson and R&B singer/actress Brandy. I just spoke with them last week and can I say I adored talking with them, especially Johnson. As far as I know, everyone I spoke to last month are a sure go for the next issue of Monarch Magazine. My story on Brandy is a cover feature. I’m way too excited about that. Of course I will share the issue once it has dropped.
Certainly my journalism career seems to be on the upswing. I truly feel I’m getting into position for….whatever is coming next with this journey. I think it’s amazing that one day I was fighting but doubting my journalistic abilities because I was receiving rejection after rejection over ONE story I was trying to pitch, plus ultimately rejected for a coveted internship I was aiming for post-graduation and the job market in my industry was fickle; with interested prospects that either didn’t make me the ultimate pick or the position I was vying for was cut. Then, in a blink of an eye I was signing off on paperwork to begin my first assignment with a magazine that is experiencing its own growth spurt. The next few weeks I was talking to celebrity figures.
As much as I enjoy talking to celeb figures (thus far) and trying to get my deep-Oprah-like-questions on, my passion still is within telling the stories of the unknown and bringing their remarkable situations to light; especially of those here, in my hometown. If all goes well as I confirm logistics for my next opportunity, this will be major for me. I will get to shed light on a hometown unknown and their mission. I will get to do this on a national platform.
In between the deadlines and the excitement of forthcoming opportunities, I’m also learning an important lesson. Aside from having patience with the development stage of my career(my life as a whole) as I read in DeVon Franklin’s book, I’m learning that it’s ok to take breaks. As I said, February was packed with interviews and deadlines, but I did have a few days or spaces with nothing but free time on my hands. Initially it was hard for me to lay down and take a nap or goof off on the computer. I would feel guilty for spending day light hours reading and looking up things that had nothing to do with trying to pitch another article. But I realized I needed those rest periods to just recoup. Writing 500 to 2,000 word stories back to back or completing a bigger assignment can take a lot out of you.
This was so prevalent just this week as I had two deadlines to satisfy back to back. Wednesday the D.C. area was expecting an “epic” snowstorm, but of course it turned out to be a fizzle (good). Still, with the initial expectations the metropolitan area pretty much shut down. My daughter was home from school and that meant I got to sleep in a little late. Throughout the day, I was up and milling around, but for the most part I stayed in my room as my daughter played in hers. I took several naps during the day and with each awakening I felt a bit more refreshed. My internet connection was down and I didn’t even panic about not being able to check emails, Facebook posts of friends that I knew were home from work or even seeing what folks were talking about on Twitter. I slept until it was time to fix my daughter lunch and again for dinner. For the most part she entertained herself in her room or found a spot at the foot of my bed and curled up to watch a few of her favorite movies. By the late night I felt refreshed. Maybe too refreshed as I stayed up until the next morning, woke my daughter up for school and by the time I returned from taking her I crashed onto my bed AGAIN! But it’s ok! I got rest!
That’s what I’m learning as a freelancer, that’s basically working as an entrepreneur at this point. A friend of mine, who is also an entrepreneur, wrote a blog post not too long ago along these same lines. Unfortunately, her blog is temporary down for maintenance so I can’t reference at this time, but I loved the mantra of “work smarter not harder” that she adopted into her lifestyle. You don’t have to constantly GO! GO! GO! GO! or as a lot of folks say “chase the paper.” Because in the end, whatever you are chasing or racing towards will run from you and you’re so spent on energy you will eventually have nothing to give… to anyone or anything.
Actually, I already made mention of my friend’s post in my “A Healthy Connection To You” blog entry from December. Part of my friend’s message in the whole work smarter, not harder mantra was taking part in a 21 day challenge of spending 2 hours on a project you are working on in order to balance life’s duties and demands. I meant to ask her about her progress, because I know she’s been heavily involved in one project that will come to fruition this weekend on Sunday. As Sunday’s event approaches, she’s been in the trenches doing what she does best!
Sidebar: The event my friend is a part of is a national walk given by GirlTrek. GirlTrek is a national non-profit that addresses health and wellness issues among black women and promotes a healthy and active lifestyle. Part of Sunday’s national walk is honoring the legacy of Harriet Tubman. Check out the brief write up about Girl Trek at the blog I Choose The Sun.
As for my progress, sadly I didn’t fully commit to the challenge. As far as the whole day of rest periods I am having in between, I’m working on not feeling guilty about it. What is interesting, when I don’t feel the urge to sleep I rest in other ways, mainly through cooking. Aside from being in a loving mood with my family, when I’m in the kitchen it usually means I’m in a very creative mood and I have too much energy that I just need to cash out. I’ve been known to make meals that don’t make sense like chili and sweet potato pie. Before you ask, 90 percent of everything I make is from scratch with fresh ingredients! Earlier this week I wasn’t in a cooking mood as I worked on deadline, but last night, after all of the rest I got I managed to make a different kind of grill cheese for my dinner; mozzarella cheese with leftover fresh spinach on wheat. It was delish!
Now I’m recharged and ready. At first I was unsure about walking on Sunday for GirlTrek, but I hear the weather is going to be super nice and I must support my sisters that have worked behind the scene and that are going to be participants. For now I have some more free time. It’s Friday and I might as well do some spring cleaning in the house. Monday is coming and I have jury duty. After Monday, it’s nothing but follow ups, an event or two to attend and confirmations to lock in.
Mahoganie: Musings East of the Anacostia River 
Ifelicious (@ifelicious)
March 9, 2013
You know I had to read this post and stop to comment since we tweeted about it in the wee hours of the morning. It is really hard as a freelancer. When opportunities/deadlines hit, they come hard and fast. My nervous energy doesn’t go to cooking, more like cleaning and house projects…and feeling guilty as you do. Congrats on the great opportunity that has come your way! I can’t wait to hear more details. You are doing some amazing work as a journalist. You keep me inspired as I fumble my way down this brand new career direction. Oh, and thanks for sharing info about GirlTrek. I just checked out the info and might just sign up myself. 🙂