Day 30/30: Opportunity
Sometimes you just get lucky. Things can fall right in your lap when you least expect it, and that's mighty exciting. Of course, not every opportunity you stumble upon is worth pursuit, but I'm thankful for every one that comes along. If they didn't, how would life change? How would we grow, or get anywhere?
This year has been a particularly good lesson for me in managing opportunity. After seeing that BlogHer Food would be in Austin this year, I took a chance and pitched a panel. Opportunity struck, and I was popped behind a table with my buddy, Hilah, and a new friend, Stacie. My time at BlogHer led to all kinds of great opportunities, but none so important as meeting Sally Ekus, who would later become my literary agent. I'm cramming as we speak to finish up two book proposals that will be shopped in the new year. Holy wow, and all because I stuck my neck out in the first place.
In my work life, I was feeling stifled and stagnant, so when I saw an opening at my favorite blogging platform, Typepad, I jumped at the chance. The chance was rewarded, and as a result I've spent more than six months working behind the scenes at Typepad. I created my own theme, wrote blog posts, and answered countless support tickets. It was an incredible learning opportunity, and I'm grateful for the time I spent with Typepad.
You might have noticed some re-designs going on between the three blogs. I'm proud to say that my DIY design skills have grown quite a bit in my time at Typepad. My goal is to intermix the three blogs in a similar style to Pioneer Woman. I have an awful lot to write about, but I want my readers to be able to focus in on the topics that interest them specifically. So far, so good.
Unfortunately, the Typepad opportunity also came with a set of challenges that often left me drained. When you have so much to learn, it can be overwhelming, and seeing as I was already juggling another job, two book proposals, a busy blog, and growing another human being, something had to give. In the end, I decided to let this opportunity go, even as part of myself was kicking the other.
If I wasn't quite so stubborn, I would have made the decision sooner, giving myself more time to work on my long-term goals. You live and learn though, right? The next time I find myself tempted by an opportunity, I'll try to be more honest with myself about how well it fits.
Speaking of new opportunities and how they fit, you'll soon notice a new footer over on Mary Makes Dinner. I've been invited to join The Daily Meal's content network. I'm very excited about getting this chance to share Mary Makes Dinner with a larger readership. The Daily Meal is a really fun foodie site. If you've never checked it out, head over and take a look. Their goal is to encompass all things food, and I am thrilled that they are inviting Mary Makes Dinner to the party.
Thanks for the opportunities, Universe, I'll try to make the best of them!
P.S. This post is part of my 30 Days With a Grateful Heart series. You can see my other posts in this series on Mary Makes Dinner, Mary Makes Babies, and here on Mary Makes Pretty. Check out Bless Her Heart to find other bloggers participating in this series.