Photo by George Milton: https://www.pexels.com
There are many favorite moments I could name, but today I want to be intentional about honoring the one that has stayed with me the most.
I’ll never forget the moment I saw my first paid byline in a national publication. I was overwhelmed with joy and gratitude. I made copies of the article and sent it to everyone I thought would appreciate it. It felt like a full-circle moment—proof that my passion had found a home in the world.
Writing has always been in my soul. When I first enrolled in college, I chose to major in writing and carefully mapped out my courses to support that dream. But then came freshman year—and with it, my first English class. I poured myself into the first assignment… only to receive an “F.”
I was devastated. Confused. Up until that moment, I had consistently earned A’s on my writing assignments. I had received awards, encouraging notes from teachers, and even offers to submit to school publications. But after that conversation with my professor—someone I trusted—I allowed his opinion to shake me.
That grade left an indelible mark on my spirit. I stopped writing. I changed my major.
But the urge to write never left me.
No matter how hard I tried to silence it, the craving to write chased me down. Eventually, I surrendered. I returned to writing, and later, pursued graduate studies in journalism. To my surprise—and delight—I won an award for one of my articles.
I learned how to pitch, and I became a freelance writer. Then it happened:
My byline appeared in the table of contents of Guideposts, a national inspirational publication read by millions.
That moment still thrills me. It warms my heart and reminds me to keep moving forward—no matter what detours or doubts may come.
Because when a calling keeps chasing you… you were never meant to run from it.
YOUR TURN: Have you ever almost given up on your passion?
Read My Memoir: “The Invisible Child on Amazon”
Discover how purpose, persistence, and voice always return—even when silenced.
Coaching with Coach Diane: If you’ve left your dream behind, it’s not too late to reclaim it. Let’s reconnect with your calling.
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