During the height of the pandemic, I remember drinking a cup of coffee and watching my kids play in the backyard. It felt like time stood still and at the same time, was passing us by.
I had tons of ideas and ambitions but struggled to bring them to fruition. I wanted to write books, but I was tired. My hands were full. I wondered what on earth I would do with all the stray ideas and thoughts that taunted and tormented me as they bounced around in my head.
In an effort to move my needle, I joined an online writers’ group to explore the possibility of writing a book. And then, as I was listening to a podcast training, I felt a jolt. Honoree Corder was talking about self-publishing books, and I knew without I doubt, I had to learn from her.
Six months into working with Honoree, everything changed. Honoree gave us a six-week challenge. Create something that is easy, lucrative, fast, and fun.
I love a good challenge and appreciated the opportunity to get out of my head, so I jumped in with both feet. I wrote a rhyming story about getting new glasses on the ride between dropping my son at preschool and getting home. I fine-tuned my wording for the rest of the day.
Fast forward and it has been six months since I published “I’m Getting New Glases!” I am now the author and illustrator of three picture books. Yesterday, my mind was blown when “I’m Getting New Glasses!” was named a finalist in the 2023 Selah Awards Picture Book category. And again, I started to think.
I likely never would have jumped at the chance to do such fun and fulfilling work without the encouragement of my mentor. I knew I liked to make up rhymes and draw with chalk, but none of that seemed helpful, useful, or significant in the large scheme of things. But then, I put it into action, and it was.
All that makes me wonder, how many of us are holding on to ideas and desires because we don’t have confidence in ourselves or don’t see that inspiration as worthy enough?
How much lighter and brighter could the world be if we all used our gifts and talents instead of keeping them to ourselves?
What if we were all meant to do that seemingly insignificant, or maybe seemingly impossible thing that won’t stop nagging at us?
Life is short. We all need one another. What is that thing for you? And why are you waiting?
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