Balancing Obstacles and Opportunities

As I walked yesterday, I thought about balancing the horizon–searching far and planning ahead–against the ground, riddled with obstacles to navigate. Wouldn’t it seem smarter to clear the path of obstacles before reaching farther ahead? Yet, many times, enthusiasm and spontaneity lead to unstable, or broken foundations.

We must either choose a path that has already been paved, or clear a path to pave ourselves. If there is no path leading toward the opportunities we wish to see in the world, then should we not connect and use our words to create the businesses and societal norms we wish to see, rather than destroy what we hate?

Traditional publishing versus self-publishing would be one example. While there are a few competitions that I’m going to submit to, I’ll be self-publishing a lot of work through Patreon. I haven’t decided between traditional and self-published for my epic fantasy yet, but I would like traditional publishing and a literary agent for my children’s books. I have a few of those in stock to polish for queries. There are many plans in the works, but I am focusing on one thing at a time, depending on the hour.

For instance, preparing to launch my TikTok and YouTube this weekend requires me to transfer hundreds of videos from my phone so I can record. I found AirDroid, which made everything so much easier (I’m not sponsored), and it’s still taking all day, and maybe some of tomorrow. While the file transfers happen, I write. While my supportive mama babysits my little boy, Jace, I write. I asked for that for the first time this week.

TJ and I couldn’t be more grateful to get ahead on our work, and I’m glad my son has the opportunity to bond with my mom. Technology has spread families across the country. While screens are a fun way to stay connected, it’s simply not quite the same as playing with toys in person. I’m looking forward to taking him to meet more family in November this, and even more next year.

As a first time parent of a 7-month-old, it’s interesting how many new things become obstacles. I considered “weather’ to be some concept that only old people cared about (I was young, sorry). I could always adapt when it was just me, rain or shine, but one trip through a rainstorm with a covered car seat changed my mind on such matters. Chores are an everyday obstacle that require tips, tricks, and hacks to manage better so there’s time left for hobbies or self-care. The easier life is to manage with tips and tools, the busier we become. Scheduling can become an obstacle when there are many moving pieces, and finding the time to cook is nigh impossible. After cooking, there’s finding time for dishes.

I read a meme once that said, “You can’t be 100% in everything, all at once.”

As a first-time parent, I am becoming even more familiar with it, but I am no quitter. I will find and make time, sacrificing what I don’t need. I won’t really be able to play video games much, unless I’m writing a fanfiction about it. But you know? That’s okay. I’ve played games all day plenty in my 20’s. My motto used to be: “I’ll do all I can, while I can” and “I’ll eat all I can, while I can.”

It’s funny how both came true when I became pregnant, but all I see in Jace’s eyes is opportunity. Sacrificing some pleasures in exchange for the joy he brings is negligible. I realize that not everyone feels the same way I do about becoming a parent, but I’ve been dreaming about this boy since I was a girl playing the Sims.

So, I’ll keep tackling obstacles to seek opportunities, one day at a time.