Yesterday I was having a texting conversation with a friend of mine regarding my current level of employment.  I just walked away from a long term consulting contract with an organization that I was never truly happy with. I loved their mission and what they were trying to accomplish, but their internal structures and the way they handled business with me- the consultant- left much to be desired.  And so, my friend was checking in to see where my head is and what my next move will be.

I told her that I am planning to really focus on my writing. Her response was “Well at least you can work on something enjoyable while you figure out your next career move.” Umm- what?

My response was that writing is my next career move.

All of that got me to thinking. (And that is scary enough on a good day.) Am I not making myself clear? It is my intention to earn a living as a writer. Period.

I say that to the Universe.

I say that to my family and friends.

I say that to the folks in the Internet ether.

I say that to anyone who will listen.

I am a writer.

Is it scary to call myself such when I have only one paying writing gig?

Hell yeah!

But I’m saying it anyway. And I’m going to keep saying it. And I’m going to say it loud.

Because I finally figured out that it’s not how other people see me, or their expectations of me. It’s about how I see myself. What I want for myself. What I am willing to do to get it.

The ultimate risk is being The Decider in your own life. It’s scary, but do it anyway.

And then say it loud so that folks know you mean it.

Djuanna Brockington spends most of her time writing, reading books and blogs about writing, or thinking about writing because she is doing other things. Her family and friends seem to tolerate this behavior, in hopes that one day she’ll learn to be a bit more balanced. In the meantime, Djuanna continues to spend her days pounding out words on her beloved Macbook. Visit Djuanna's website.
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