I woke up last week ready to give it all up. Delete Instagram, delete my website, throw out my notebooks, and remove any indication from life that I was an aspiring writer. I was ready to call in sick, take a mental health day, to drive past the office until I found somewhere I wanted to be. I wrote about this feeling after my last trip; where I felt unfulfilled, small and unsure of what to do with my life. Normally this feeling disappears once I’m settled into my routine, busy at work, or have a writing project to distract myself. 

I haven’t been able to pull myself out of this funk. Therapy hasn’t helped (yet), pep talks from my husband haven’t helped, putting up my Christmas decorations hasn’t helped, nor has watching endless hours of my new favourite TV show (Abbott Elementary). The only thing that has pulled me a little above water is the rejection letter I received from a literary agent. 

Don’t give up. Be open to opportunities when they present themselves. Keep trying. Keep searching for the story, job, and people that ignite your soul. They’re all out there. Don’t give up.

xo Vanessa

*Previously posted on Substack NOV 16, 2024*