exploring new waters.

We must go beyond textbooks, go out into the bypaths and untrodden depths of the wilderness and travel and explore and tell the world the glories of our journey.

{John Hope Franklin}

I started blogging several months ago for one specific reason: I was craving a creative outlet and couldn't ignore this intense desire any longer. So here I am.

I have always loved writing, but never felt it was a practical hobby. First of all, I have never been "practical." I am a dreamer with an imagination big enough to fill every ocean on this planet. And then some. So ignoring this passion was difficult, but I still managed to leave my studies as an English major and move onto Psychology and Criminal Justice. You know, subjects that could lead me to an official career. So I thought.

So for two years now I have been practical. I would be lying to you if I said it hasn't hurt my soul a little and left me feeling empty and used up. I love my job - it's amazing how good I can be with teenager's, especially those struggling with so much. But it's not enough. It limits my imagination and suffocates my creativity. So this has left me searching; wandering off of the "safe" path and left me exploring new waters.

This blog has captured my first love. I may not be the best writer in the world, but I have the heart and desire. That I know for sure. So on Tuesday night I sat at my computer and started applying for any journalism job I could find: paying or not, it did not matter. It was so freeing and almost felt like I was venturing out of the norm, of what I am "supposed to be and do", and following my dream.

I checked my inbox this morning and there were not one but two replies. I looked at my inbox and felt my heart race in excitement. I had been heard. Whether I quickly get a journalism job or not, that is not the point. The point is that I have stopped ignoring my passion and that if these jobs don't pan out in the way I want them to, there will be more opportunities. There is always another chance. Dreams stick around and nag until you listen, and once you open up your ears it's impossible to go back.

{photo credit}