Hustle
Phew! I feel like I have just run a marathon. It has been one of the most demanding months I have faced in awhile. The month of May was filled with pressure, expectations and what constantly felt like an uphill battle. However, with every grueling month comes the potential for great growth and laughter. I am a strong believer that even amidst the most difficult moments finding a piece of joy can soften the hardest of obstacles and be somewhat liberating – rebelling against frustration.
As the month commenced I knew I was in for a whirlwind of activity. I had committed to appear at the Noted Writers Festival in Canberra, an event I was very excited to be part of but one that again pushed me out of my comfort zone. For an overt introvert appearing at various literary events can be daunting but for the inner renegade that harbors within me, a chance to push my boundaries, learn and defy my shyness sees me instantly pledge to attend. Many of my friends find the dichotomy of my essence quite entertaining, the bashful dancer who basks in being center stage. As an author, I tend to hide behind my words. I am not one to actively seek attention but if an opportunity arises to help me develop as a writer and an individual I find it necessary to challenge myself, this is exactly what the Noted Writers Festival presented. The festival was a wonderful success. The incredibly supportive team who seamlessly executed the event created a fun-filled community atmosphere. It was a delight to be able to facilitate a creative writing workshop for kids and share some of my favorite picture books at a very special story time over the weekend.
After the festival, I thought I had overcome my public speaking challenge for the month. Feeling at ease, I walked into a meeting and was instantly presented with another speaking task. I was invited to represent my team and provide a short talk at a meeting to be held in a week’s time. When asked if I would like to make the presentation I could feel every bit of my being quiver with fright but my fight response immediately kicked in and I answered with an enthusiastic “Yes!” The presentation went well, at least that was what I was told by several audience members, choosing to believe them or not is my prerogative, we are after all our worst critics, but I could honestly say that I had been brave. Public speaking several times in one month, for me required a tremendous amount of courage. I stepped away from what I found comfortable and although I was at my most vulnerable I was proud that I was able to rise to the challenge and was willing to try.
After two weeks of intense activity, which was further compounded by the requirement to complete my weekly 2000 word university assessments for my Masters degree and continuing to forge ahead with the next installment of ‘Charlie’s Adventures…’, I hustled to Melbourne to attend the amazing KidLitVic event. I had heard such pleasing accounts from last year’s event that I had no hesitation in traveling to be part of this year’s festivities. The event was useful, engaging and more than worth it. I met some truly inspiring authors, illustrators and publishers who fed my passion to continue on this writing journey. I also took up the opportunity to have my work formally assessed by one of Australia’s major publishing houses, another intimidating moment for the month. I was pleasantly surprised by the encouragement I received through the assessment process and was comforted in knowing my work actually had merit. I still have to pinch myself when I am in situations like these, I can’t believe I am working on my dream.
Culminating my bustling month, I strutted down the catwalk for a wedding fair. Another yearly event that I commit to in order to daringly rattle my comfort zone. After the month I had of continuously putting myself out there, I felt no nerves slipping into a gorgeous wedding gown and channeling my inner Victoria Secret angel as I paraded my way down the runway. I couldn’t believe how relaxed I was when I am typically shaking in the lead-up to this event. The calm that fell over me was also due to my bold two-year-old daughter who held my hand and made her modeling debut escorting me as the sweetest little flower girl. Embracing a challenge and being able to be fearless with my daughter was a true highlight.
It has been an exhausting month where I have had to hustle each and every day. Despite my weariness I can see I have truly matured from this month. I have gained greater insight into what I am capable of and felt growth from within. Now with a deep exhale it is time for a rest….here’s hoping.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE MONTH
A delightful literary weekend at the Noted Festival. Thank you to the amazing event organisers & those who came along to this special event. It was wonderful being able to create & share stories with some very talented little people & their very talented & nurturing parents!
Love being part of the Creative Kids Tales team! Delighted to be featured as the emerging author this month & to have the opportunity to introduce one of my favourite best-selling authors R.A. Spratt Have a peak at what’s new this month….
A weekend full of lessons learned, stories shared and friendships formed. Thank you to the Kidlitvic- event organisers & all the authors, illustrators & publishers I was fortunate to meet. Speaking to Coral Vass was a personal highlight as Coral was the first to kindly review ‘Charlie’s Adventures…in Hawaii’
Playing dress up. Our little model making her runway debut.
