Posted on by startlifeat50 · 2 Comments

Birthday in lockdown

On the 17th it’s my birthday and a year since I started up this blog. What a year it has been, not only for me personally, but for the world. Back in November I completed my Certificate IV in Professional Writing and Editing and received my beautiful certificate on Christmas Eve. What a lovely Christmas present!

my certificate

In February I was searching for voluntary writing positions when I stumbled upon an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. Writing articles for a local community newspaper. The editor was encouraging and supportive in getting me started as a writer. He’s given me guidance and a lot of positive feedback since then. As a result of this I’ve had articles published in the March and June editions of the paper and I’m currently working on the next piece for the Sept/Oct edition.

 

When I finished my course I have to admit I had no idea where I was going with my writing. How would I establish myself as a writer? This opportunity came at just the right time. I’ve just submitted work to several magazines and am waiting to see what happens with this. In the meantime I’ve continued working in childcare till I have enough writing work to comfortably transition out of it.

If someone had told me when I finished my studies that I would be writing articles for newspapers and magazines I wouldn’t have believed it. Life can take you down a different path to what you imagine. Opportunities are waiting around every corner. I just need to be aware of them and see where they take me.

This birthday will be very different to last year’s or to any other year for that matter. Melbourne the city I live in is in Stage 4 lockdown. There’s no going to a restaurant or having family over to celebrate. I will order a meal and a small cake and have a quiet celebration at home with my parents. It’s a time to be grateful for all the people and things I have in my life. I pray everyone stays safe and healthy and that the next year will be better than this one.

Happy birthday to me! (LOL)

Blessings to all xx

Posted on by startlifeat50

Ageing

smiling woman while holding camera
Say cheese!!!

 

This is an update on writing opportunities I’ve been working on recently. I’ve been unsuccessful in getting the internship I mentioned in an earlier post. However I can apply again in a few months time. The paper I wrote articles for is coming out today. I’m so excited to see my name in print. I feel like I’ve been waiting for ages. Here they are!

 

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“We don’t stop playing because we grow old. We grow old because we stop playing.” George Bernard Shaw.

 

As the saying goes when one door closes another opens. I now have another opportunity opening up for me. I have applied to join a community volunteer program. I will be assigned to an aged care resident who would like someone to transcribe and write their memoir for them.

 

“The longer I live, the more beautiful life becomes.” Frank Lloyd Wright.

 

This is a wonderful program that’s beneficial to the resident as well as the volunteer.   Aged care facilities can be a lonely place for residents especially if they don’t have family or friends or visitations are infrequent.

 

“Every year should teach you something valuable; whether you get the lesson is up to you. Every year brings you closer to expressing your whole and healed self.” Oprah Winfrey.

 

Contact with a volunteer gives them something to look forward to. Friendships can form. Social interaction is vital for everyone, but more so for the aged and marginalized. In this case I get to indulge in my passion (writing) while the resident gets to tell their story.  I’m looking forward to this. One day I will be elderly and I hope I have people around me who love and care for me. Those who will take the time to visit me. Companionship is so important as we get older.

“You can’t help getting older, but you don’t have to get old.” George Burns.

 

grayscale photography of two laughing women
Companionship!

Blessings to all!

Posted on by startlifeat50

What I’m up to now

alphabet blur books close up

In 2018 I commenced my studies in Professional Writing and Editing while working full time in early childhood education. I decided at the end of 2018 to reduce my work hours so I could study full time. This has been one of the best decisions I’ve made in a long time.

I completed my studies and received my certificate at the end of 2019. I’m still working in childcare part time while I pursue a new career in writing. I received advice to find voluntary work so I can get experience. Get my foot in the door, so to speak. I’ve found two opportunities that I think will be great for me.

 

Great opportunities coming my way

 

photo of woman reading newspaper

Firstly I’ve found a voluntary role writing for a local community newspaper. In fact all the writers and the editor are volunteers. I have decided to write two articles which the editor has approved. In the next week I will interview a few key people and then write up the stories. The deadline is coming up, but there is some flexibility on this if I find myself struggling for time. The newspaper will be published in mid-March. I’m looking forward to seeing my name in print.

abundance achievement advertising bank
The sky is the limit

Secondly I’ve applied for a three month internship with a magazine that’s published quarterly. It starts in April – one day a week. I’m familiarizing myself with the publication and its content to give myself the best possible chance of being offered the role. This will give me insight into editing and publishing and most importantly practical experience, which is invaluable to me. I’ve got my fingers and toes crossed for this.

I’m amazed at how quickly I’ve found these stepping stones to my new career, but then I think I’ve worked hard to get to this point so I deserve it.

Blessings to all.

books business computer connection
I’m ready to start my new career!