Kicking off my first blog post today seems fitting since I made a major decision regarding my own happiness. I quit my job and left a successful career to pursue a new one in writing full-time. Friends have called it following my dreams and commented it’s a pretty brave, bold move. They are right. But mostly, it boils down to one thing:
Happiness is a choice.
And since writing books makes me happy, I made the choice to fill my time with it—and not the sometimes fulfilling, fascinating, but soul-draining job of working in conflict zones overseas. I gave that profession my best, and while there were moments of happiness, the work didn’t sustain it.
As a writer of fiction, I marvel at how parallel a character’s journey can be to someone’s real life. Many of us have those moments where we know we need to make a choice. There needs to be some change. It’s been building inside us for years or in a major moment of inspiration, what we’ve all heard called that epiphany thing. When we’re honest enough to admit we aren’t happy, we’re opening the door to finding out what will make us so. And when we start exploring, oh the places we’ll go, to paraphrase Dr. Seuss.
Then the decision comes. Are we going to choose to be happy?
I did, and even though I don’t know exactly where it’s going to go, I’ve made my choice. I’m going to live in my bliss. Like the early parts of a novel, there’s a sense of a new adventure awaiting the heroine.
And her goal is happiness.
Ava
Your optimism shines through. And is contagious. Thanks and keep ’em coming
Thank you for reminding me of my true goal-happiness! You inspire me in so many ways. I can’t wait to see all your dreams come true!
Follow your dreams as you seem to be doing. Much success and Joy. Looking forward to following your journey.
Ava, as you know my writing journey truly began in a similar way. Instant messaging with an Australian friend (the one and only time we did it) when she told me, “Diane, God wants you to be happy.” It was a revelation. In that moment I decided I would retire from my “other” career and start writing full-time.
I’ve never regretting choosing happiness. I’m glad you felt the same!
Wishing you all the best! You’re a brave and inspirational woman.
What a wonderful and inspirational debut, Ava! Thank you for sharing your story and for the reminder!
Best wishes as you move forward on your journey. 🙂
Bravo, Ava!! I wish you love and much success in this new phase in your life. Just making this move is an inspiration and motivating to me, and I am sure to others. Please continue to let your light shine; as you do, you will light the path of others.
Warmly,
J. Matlock
Ava – here’s to becoming the heroine of your own journey! Happiness *is* a choice, so why not pursue it with gumption and a twinkle in the eye? Can’t wait to see how your life time adventure unfolds. Bon Voyage, my friend!
I am so thrilled and happy for you! Yes. Choose happiness.
Loving the blog and can’t wait to read more updates on your exciting new journey!
Can’t wait to read more! Look forward to following your journey!!
Wow, starting a new career, called living Happiness, Awesome, can hardly wait to see the books, and other things you will be writing. You have been an inspiration for a long time, and see it taking this jump, just awesome. Ava, only the very best for you.