I’ve spent a great deal of time working to achieve my goals of publication.  It’s been a challenging experience in my life and one that I am not happy to have to face.  I’ve been told that I should let go of my dreams and find other endeavors to pursue.  The very thought of that angers me greatly.

I began writing at the age of eight.  Although simplistic, it was a necessary tool in my life to cope with the life that was my own, and riddled with abuse in many forms.  I found an outlet that was necessary, nondestructive and therapeutic all in one.   As I aged, writing took on a new form and offered a few opportunities I wouldn’t have otherwise found.  I spent two years in middle school working on the school paper and in high school endeavored into journalism courses, including photo-journalism.  Those experiences shaped my goals in a positive manner.  I couldn’t imagine my life without the hours I spend writing with pen and paper or typing away.

The negativity I’ve fought for years has reared it’s ugly head once again.  Just last night I was told to let go of those “silly dreams” and become an adult.  I should be working a standard 8-5 job and have a normal family life at night.  I shouldn’t consider working in the service industry and by all means, I should give it all up.

Here’s my statement to the one who wants me to conform to their idea of “right”:  NO WAY!  I can and will achieve my goals – with or without your support.  If you think for one minute that I am going to give up my writing so that you can have what you believe is the right life for me, you have another thing coming.  I have stories I’ve written over the years that all deserve to have a home.  I’m not going to rest until they find that place on a shelf and in the hands of one who will find pleasure in reading all that is encompassed within.

The next time you try to inform me that the choice I’ve made to actively pursue my goals is wrong is the last time those words will cross your lips within my hearing range.  Keep that in mind before you speak.