Last week I felt uninspired, unmotivated, and unproductive. I’m going to cut myself some slack here, and blame it on the fact that my body was fighting a pesky cold…and it has since lost the battle. So now that I have succumbed to this will-it-or-won’t-it-become-a-cold virus, I’ve had a lot of time to lay in bed and think.
When I started this blog in 2014, I was adjusting to life after thyroid cancer. I never thought of becoming a writer, had never written anything publicly, and wasn’t even sure where to begin. I just knew I wanted a change. I decided to put pen to paper, or in this case, pull out my iPad, and just start writing. My early posts lacked any real direction, but I enjoyed the creative process of having a space for my thoughts. Fast forward two years and this blog, which I often refer to as my baby, brings me more joy than I ever could have imagined. From connecting with readers, to reviewing new products, to sharing topics that I’m passionate about with all of you — it has reminded me that you can (and should) enjoy what you do every day.
I always thought finding my passion would be the hardest part of my post-collegiate journey…and it was a struggle. But the reality of turning your passion into a paycheck is infinitely harder. That’s where the hustle comes in. The long days, and even longer nights. The emails to people you admire looking for guidance, answers, and with any luck, a direction. Some people are fortunate to have all of these questions answered before they cross that stage and are handed their diploma upon graduation. Many spend an entire lifetime, and go through countless careers, looking for that elusive partner. There is no right or wrong way to find your passion. But remember, that is the easier part of the equation.
When I stumbled upon the mantra for today, it reinforced all that I’ve learned about finding your direction, and turning it into a path. Anyone can have a dream, but it takes hustle to make it happen — and that can’t be taught. I’ve always told myself that no one will believe in my dream as much as I do. And with that in mind, I take comfort in not having all of the answers today, tomorrow, or maybe even next month, but I know that I am doing all I can to make it a reality — some day.
So on this Monday, I invite you all to embrace this mantra. And as my computer screen reminds me each time I sit at my desk — “work like a boss.”
What’s your favorite mantra?
I always think to myself, when I am feeling down or things are going wrong that means something great is about to happen. It’s normal to feel uninspired sometimes but just remember that you rock!
Christina :: http://www.simpleanddelish.com
That’s a great outlook to have, Christina! I’ll have to remind myself of my “rockstar” status this week, because this cold has me feeling otherwise. Happy Monday!
Thanks for sharing your journey! This is such a great quote and I just need to remember to keep my eye on the prize. 🙂
http://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Thanks, Kathrine! I love this quote, and it’s a nice reminder when the going gets tough. Hope you have a great start to your week!
Thank you for sharing your story! I’ve felt the same way about trying to turn my passion into a career since I graduated from college!
http://thecourtneydiaries.com
I’m glad this post resonated with you, Courtney! Don’t give up on your passion. Wishing you all the best with your endeavors!
Great mantra and post! Happy Monday 😉
~Samantha
http://goldcoastgirlblog.com
Thanks, Samantha!
Lovely post and that quote is so true! I have a few mantras that I use in different types of situations. One would be “Fear is stupid, so are regrets”. Miss Marilyn Monroe said it and I try to beat my fear and have no regrets. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Ivona from http://www.thesmokedetector.net
xo
I’m glad you enjoyed the post, Ivona! Thanks for sharing your mantra — I’ll have to remember those wise words.
Ahhh I love that mantra! My blog is quite new still, I kind of jumped into it and hit the ground running; I’m still not sure if I ‘m going in the right direction with it, but in this case I suppose action is better than inaction!
xo, alice / T Y P E N U
Thanks, Alice! I think everyone needs to start somewhere. So I’m glad that you have jumped into blogging. You can always adjust your focus as you go along.
What a great and inspiring post Vanessa! I really like this mantra so I am going to use it this week as you suggest 🙂
Have a great week full of blessings dear!
Stella
http://www.stellaasteria.com
Thanks, Stella! I’m so glad you are going to adopt this mantra. It’s a good one! Hope your Monday is off to a great start.
Love this Monday motivation Vanessa. Keep plugging away. If you follow your passion and work hard, the possibilities are endless 🙂
Taffeta & Tulips
Thanks, Kate! I’m sure I will feel much more motivated once I get over this awful cold. Happy Monday!
Great post, Thank you for being so open and honest about your journey! You are an inspiration.
http://www.racheldinh.com
Thanks so much, Rachel! I’m glad you enjoyed the post.
I love this post, Vanessa! There has certainly been days or seasons where I’ve felt uninspired and even thought of throwing in the towel. It’s then that I remind myself of all the reasons why I’ve started this journey I’m on in the first place and sometimes, my husband unapologetically and much appreciated, reminds me and give me a much needed reality check. No one is every going to give us anything because that’s simply not how life works, although we’d all wish it were. The truth is we need to work and work hard to make our dreams a reality and as cliché as it may sound, anything worth having is certainly worth fighting for. There’s also another quote that I love, but I don’t know who to credit, “As fast as a shooting star goes up, is as fast as it comes down.” This couldn’t be any more true. Sometimes, we can become so easily discouraged by what we perceive as growth that others are so “easily” attaining and feel as though perhaps we aren’t as good or valuable, but anything that will become legendary has to past the test of TIME.
Thanks again for sharing this and this is certainly the perfect quote to start off the week and month with 🙂 I hope you have a great week ahead!
XO,
Jalisa
http://www.thestylecontour.com
Thanks, Jalisa! I always enjoy reading your insight, and thanks for sharing your mantra. I believe you shouldn’t compare your beginning to someone else’s middle. Everything happens in the time in which it is supposed to — and I think you hit on that in your comment. Of course, hard work always helps, too!
This was a great post! I have felt that way a lot especially when it comes to blogging. This was very inspirational! Thanks for sharing! =)
Reagan
http://www.reaganinmyownworld.com
I’m so glad this post resonated with you, Reagan. Thanks for visiting Living in Steil!
Yoga really helps inspire me, and also reminds me to practice self love! On hard or boring days I can remain focused on how blessed I am, and remain grateful for all that I have, and all that I have to give! Love this post Vanessa!
xoxo http://www.touchofcurl.com
Yoga works wonders, Colleen! I love setting a new intention for each practice. It helps me focus on my body, and allows my mind to let go of things that no longer serve me.
This is an inspiring post! Love your mantra – “work like a boss” – thanks for sharing!
xo, I
http://www.linandlin.com
Thank you so much! I’m glad you enjoyed the post.
What an inspirational post! Had a great read… Thank you for sharing! =)
– Cielo
Mermaid in Heels
Thanks, Cielo! I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Thank you for sharing this, great post dear !
Have a great week. 🙂
https://dajanaerd.wordpress.com
Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed the post.
I love your quotes , and thanks for sharing this, Great post!
http://www.stylenbeautylounge.com
I’m so glad you enjoyed this post, Uzo! Thanks for visiting Living in Steil.
Wonderful post! Good job!
My mantra is: Go passionately for what you love to do – ignore all nay sayers!
Thanks, Elinor. I love your mantra!