I turn 40 in a few months. Three years ago when I was about to enter my late 30s, I realized that I was nowhere near where I’d always thought I’d be by the time I was 40.
So, I started my Someday Journey and now I’m exactly where I wanted to be:
But the other day, I almost turned my back on part that of that dream. Another writing project came p and I seriously considered turning it down, which led to seriously considering shutting the blog down.
The thought process went like this:
All this writing outside of my fiction distracts me too much. I should just get a job-job and write fiction in the evenings.
I ignored the fact that when I had a job-job I almost never wrote and that I love blogging and helping people with their own Someday Journeys.
Looking at my desire to run away, I saw it for what it truly was: fear. I’m building success, doing exactly what I want. I’m getting more writing gigs and I’m gearing up to help people with their Someday Syndrome infections in a BIG way. Why the heck would I turn my back on that?
I didn’t bother analyzing the fear. I simply told it “You have no power over me.” and walked past it. I then said yes to the new writing gig and put out the call for participants in the next Lab Rat series (which yes, has a whole bunch to do with the big project I’m working on).
P.S. Speaking of fun adventures, here’s a small video of me playing in the snow during the city’s once-in-a-decade snow storm that happened last month.
23 Responses to “Don’t run away from your dreams”
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I’m so relieved that you decided to stay. I have to say I gasped when I read that you were planning to abandon the blog at one point. This is a great source of support and advice and it would be such a shame if it was gone!
I do understand your fear. At the moment I’m straddling two worlds and can feel a deep push toward writing, but I haven’t so far felt able to really let go and trust that I’ll get the support I need. We shall see, I guess!
Joely Black (@TheCharmQuark on Twitter)´s last blog post..TGIAD: The hungover edition (with added apologies)
Alex, these words hit home for me today. I have so been there! If you didn’t live in another country, I’d swear you’d peeked in my journal.
Hugs to you! So glad for your success and you look good in snow! 
Karen Swim´s last blog post..Love and Basketball
Know what?
The fact that for a moment, you can lay down in the snow and just love life like that says it all, Alex.
Stay happy. And keep making them snow angels.
James Chartrand - Men with Pens´s last blog post..What Frank Kern Can Teach You About Branding
Spookily Alex I think you’ve been peeking in mine too!
Fortunately I now feel I’ve come so far it would be far too far to go back… got to keep going, because I’m nearly there.
Having the support of people like you makes such a difference. More than any of us who write and tweet will probably ever know - our words touch others who are needing to stretch, or grow, or jump, or just take heart.
Joanna Young´s last blog post..Do You Ever Feel Like a Stranger on Your Own Blog?
Hi Alex,
I found your blog on twitter via Joanna Young. As a newbie to blogging I am still learning and so am grateful that you are staying.
Will be subscribing.
David Atkinson´s last blog post..If You Ask Me…
Oh, I forgot to mention - bonus points to anyone who can name the movie I quoted somewhere in today’s post…
I didn’t know it snowed there!
“You have no power over me” - Labyrinth, 1986. David Bowie, wasn’t it?
Andy Hayes´s last blog post..Picture Postcards…and Sketches
Alex - awesome. You listened to your heart - do that, and fear simply evaporates. Fear can do nothing to something that comes from within. Fear can only affect the mind, but a pure heart can obliterate fear.
Brett Legree´s last blog post..viking fridays - the mind and the heart.
@ Brett - Dude. *squints* What have you been smoking?
James Chartrand - Men with Pens´s last blog post..What Frank Kern Can Teach You About Branding
@James,
LOL rum & Coke after a long week of bullshit at The Factory…
(plus some rather thought provoking prog-metal on the headphones…)
Brett Legree´s last blog post..viking fridays - the mind and the heart.
Alex -
I love this blog and read it several times a week! I am very glad you decided to stay.
Paula´s last blog post..SPA TRAIL LAUNCHED IN ALABAMA
When it snows you have two choices: shovel or make snow angels.
Life is all about the choices.
Seems to me that you have been making some great ones.
well done for listening to your heart.
Often our choices come from what we think we ‘ought’ to do or what we feel is expected of us.
You have the courage to accept your soul’s journey, not run from it. This lesson will be remembered when you are tested again in the future. You will inspire others to follow their hearts.
Much love
Heather
Heather Bestel´s last blog post..Stress Tip of the Week - Remember you’re not alone
Hee hee - the angel made me smile - nice to see a little Canadian tradition in your new life. And that yes, you’re staying right where you’re at! A few years ago you would have been thrilled that writing was a distraction from your writing! At least you’re now being distracted with something that’s related, and that as you get better at your blog writing skills it will be transferable to your fiction writing skills.
Happy Valentine’s Day to you and your man <3.
Do they do Valentine’s Day there? I’m thinking that if they do it’s a much calmer and less commercial celebration.
It’s amazing how fast one thought we take hold in our minds. When we take time to step back and look at it. We realize that it’s just a flash and not a in depth belief.
I never really thought of how this works. Thanks for showing me how you deal with it. I have these thoughts like that all the time and it’s nice to see another person struggling with this issue, but not letting it take over their life.
Karl Staib - Work Happy Now´s last blog post..Productivity is a State of Mind
Hey Alex, I was shocked to know that you could have shut down the blog and glad to know you listened to your heart! You are doing such a great job with Someday Syndrome and touching the lives of others, so don’t ever stop this! And cute video of you playing the snow - look at the smiley face on the pavement you created with the snow imprints!
Alex,
That’s some awesome list of dream fulfillment. It reminded me to take stock, too. In focusing so much on my failures, I too easily forget the things I have accomplished.
steph´s last blog post..Yet Another Reason I’m Glad I’m Vegetarian…
@Joely
Straddling two worlds hanging over the abyss terrified of falling. Yup, that pretty much describes where I’m at tool.
@Karen
Synchronicity, the collective subconscious - many of us are on the same journey and are at the same point. It’s fascinating how we’ve all come together.
@James
When I saw the snow falling, making snow men and making snow angels were the first thoughts in my head. I’m all about finding the fun in a situation.
@Joanna
I’m continually (pleasantly) surprised by the gratitude I receive for this blog. Every time I come to read comments, my day gets a little brighter.
@David
Welcome! And good luck with the blogging - despite the occasional lapse - it becomes addictive!
@Andy
It will lightly snow every year but the snow like that happens once a decade (and disappears in 2 days). And yay! you found the quote - smart boy!
@Brett
That’s me: pure of heart, mind and deed.
@James
What? The guy can’t get all New Agey without accusations of druggedness? Sheesh!
@Paula
Thanks for the support. I truly appreciate it.
@Laurel
One of the reasons I live in an apt and not a house any more - no snow shoveling!
@Heather
Thanks - I have tried to avoid “ought to” my whole life. And yes, I remember the past choices every time I’m faced with the same situation.
@Elaine
LOL - how well you know me. V-day isn’t that big here - *slightly* less consumerist society here. I made Raul a card and we did our usual weekend hanging out together.
@Karl
My decision-making process is usually a snap thing, sometimes very accurate, other times wildly off. Fortunately I’m learning to understand the differences.
@Celes
I never noticed that, but you’re right - there’s a smiley face there. That’s hilarious! I create happiness even in the pavement! hehehe
@Steph
I can get like that - totally perfectionist not seeing any of the accomplishments, which is why I stop and do posts like this - to remind myself how much I have succeeded already.
My most successful and proud achievements always had moments of serious doubt. I think coming to a point where you want to give up but decide to keep going are necessary for any profound success in your life.
[...] Don’t Run Away from Success by Alex Fayle at Someday Syndrome [...]
@Paul D
So I’m therefore about to break through into some serious success! Woo hoo!
[...] But I really love what I do and I didn’t want to give it up, however tempting it might be to walk away. [...]
[...] It’s easy to run away. [...]