Finding Passion
“I have to work,” I say unselfconsciously and shut the study door behind me. For weeks now, I have been logging in, answering emails, pursuing writers, cold calling people who are inspirational to come write for us. The actual work of writing emails, talking on the phone, fiddling around with the site layout, editing content and jotting to-dos on a white board in my room is little compared to the time I spend thinking about how to do things. I worry about what I can do to spread the word, create a buzz so to speak for a labor of love that is the new parenting webzine I call myself a co-owner in.
If for years, I have been blogging and writing, it has not felt like something I do professionally. I couldn’t bring myself to call it work. Both these efforts, my personal blogging and what I am doing for the Parent Voice (tPV), is unpaid. Yet, tPV feels like a calling. Something I treat with reverence.
In the years since I quit my programming job and invested money and time in writing, I’ve felt guilt. Guilt at diverting resources that could be spent elsewhere. Guilt at pursuing what seemed like a dead end hobby. Guilt as closeting myself in the study and writing drafts that may never see the light of day.
This week somehow seems different. There seems to light at the end of the tunnel. A goal post of sorts to aim for. Whether tPV will be a stepping stone to something or be the one big thing that will define me is something only time can tell. Or it could be yet another thing that I pursued and gave up on.
I look at the calendar and mentally calculate the days to August 1, the day we officially launch. The pressure I feel is the good kind. I feel enthused to putter around the WordPress dashboard. I check my email and dash off responses with an urgency I have only felt when I have been gainfully employed. I feel like I am reporting to someone. In all, I feel like I am working again after three years.
This has got to be good right?
PS: Any ideas on how to create buzz or spread the word is welcome.
Joy Musings Work Writing Joy Life Musings Passion Personal Purpose Writing
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Lakshmi Iyer 
Very nice Laksh. Best wishes, I am counting down with you. In terms of spreading the word – I think posting, reposting, cross posting, cross referencing… things that I see and hear repeatedly have a way of getting my mind space.
Makes sense. Will do that.
good post ,i like it
Hello, I really enjoy reading your blogs. All the best for your new venture . For spreading the word, create a flyer with information about the webzine and contact local preschool if you can put them up or have it for parents to pick up. Contact local libraries or community centers where they have kids activities and sports if you can distribute flyers . Sponsor mini teams ( sponsoring caps for 10 kids or so), or local stores which sell kids products or school supplies ,creating facebook page for the webzine , I am sure your blog followers will share those in their page etc , will get the word out.
Thank you 😊 Have a few of these on my todo list.
This sounds awesome! Good luck! I’ll do whatever I can to help spread the word 😊
Thank you so much! It means a lot.
Good luck Laksh. And congratulations.
I am glad you found a way to merge your passion, your lifestyle, and your skill into one platform. Since you are in this for the passion, and not for the money, it will keep the fire burning. I write for money, and as much as I love writing, it becomes a chore when there are outside deadlines and money involved.
I sure hope so LG. I am worried my history of taking things on only to give up midway will come back to haunt me.
This time you won’t. This is you.
Awesome content 👏🏻👏🏻
Check out Tim Ferriss, Noah Kagan, Ryan Holiday, Ramit Sethi and Gary V’s blog. They are very very effective and guides you through step by step process.
Thank you for the suggestions!
I just discovered that you work with Suchi in this. So cool that two of the people whose blogs I love are together on a project. It actually makes sense, but I feel like the stars are aligned and a miracle just happened !
It sure does feel that way. Like the Universe is conspiring. She is amazing in how laser focused she can be in getting things done. Perfect complement to me.
A very great article. I enjoyed reading it.
Wishing you luck and joy in all you new ventures!
Thank you 😊
Great post. I’m sure good things are round the corner.
Thank you 😊
I enjoyed reading your post. I just started blogging. At first it was an assignment for school but now it seems to be a calling of mines. Best success in your venture.
Thank you so much! All the best on your blog.
Well expressed.