What is the work?
Photo by Christin Hume on Unsplash
I have often heard people talk about doing the work but it can sound so empty. What does it even mean to be doing the work? Well, for the last 4-5 months I think I’ve finally gotten a glimpse of what that entails. Let me assure you, it is not glamorous.
The work has been diving headfirst into a new position at my full-time job. Feeling immensely stretched while transitioning from one position to the other. Re-learning my people management skills and assuring myself that I won’t always be overwhelmed and eventually I’ll find my own footing.
The work has been staying consistent with Permission to Write to further its reach and think more strategically about providing value. It’s been revamping the site and launching a membership community and onboarding a new intern.
The work has been rounds of edits with my editor to make sure we’re telling the very best version of my story for my debut.
Oh, it’s also been recording and promoting a podcast season, prep for teaching teenage girls for six weeks, judging a grant program, and managing board obligations. And let me not forget being a human, family member, wife, and fur-child mom.
There have been moments when I was downtrodden and uncertain if I was actually capable of doing these ambitious things I set out to do. Was I equipped to handle these things I’d dreamed about every time I closed my eyes?
The short answer being yes, but boy did it take some digging to find my courage. At many points, I wanted to run and hide under the covers.
I’m on a new level. One that requires organization, focus, and determination. One that has ushered me into a season of no. Sorry, Shonda, but this is not my year of yes. Thankfully, it’s a season that limits the amount of time I can spend on social media comparing my life to others. It’s one that has allowed me to learn what my true capacity actually is. I’m operating at the max currently.
This new space should feel good. This is where we work to get to. This is the process. So, the key is to fall in love with the work. Sometimes I’m so enamored with the finish line that I’m missing the beauty in the race.
I’m obsessed with the idea of what it means to be present because I’m not sure I’ve ever experienced it. My mind is rarely in the moment. Constantly thinking twelve steps ahead. But it’s not sustainable. Sure, we plan, but we shouldn’t be anxious about the future. Today has enough trouble.
Between writing, managing a writing community, and the full-time gig, the work is hard right now. But these positions are the fruit of the work I’ve done before. The work doesn’t stop, so it’s our perspective that must continue to evolve and change.
