As we continue into what is historically known as the dark half of the year, I’m focusing on manifesting some more of my goals. And I’m not the only one. My mother and several of my friends are also setting out on a new phase of their journeys.
This week has been particularly challenging. I’m not sure why, but I’ve felt strange the past several days. Apparently, I’m not the only one. I suspect it’s a combination of energies from the world, astrological occurrences, and my own anxiety about the future. However, I have chosen to not let it negatively influence me.
While it’s been difficult to accomplish what I had hoped to this week, I have managed to take a few small steps, which will lead to bigger things. I’ve restarted my research into the publishing industry and literary agencies and ordered several resources from the library to help with that. I’ve also begun watching some very helpful videos by literary agents and published authors. Although I still have to fight to not feel overwhelmed, I’ve given myself a big pat on the back for moving forward at all. In the past, it would have been a lot harder.
The playlist for Those Who Watch Spoken Word is complete! That was one of the milestones I wanted to reach on YouTube. It now joins The Ocean’s Made For Swimming Spoken Word on the growing list of finished online projects. I have yet to record and edit the final chapter for A Tale of Two Cities – book the first , but I’m hoping to have it up by the end of the year.
This week – or more correctly, today – I’m trying to work on creating some more writing content for the channel. I want to take my viewers with me on my career journey and even some of my general life, as well. I was very pleased with the Fun Facts short I did for Those Who Watch (and Those Who Don’t) because it was a chance to try my hand at being slightly more creative with the editing.
And while I do want to apply that to the longer sit-down videos, I might not always have the time, energy, or patience. From day one, I determined I would be as genuine as possible on YouTube – no AI or filters, no on-screen persona, and no fancy editing. I don’t mind improving my skills, but I don’t want to end up projecting an image that’s too distant from reality. Personally, I always preferred “old school Youtube”. It felt a lot more relatable and lighter than some of what I see now. That’s the feel I want my channel to have, while also growing and looking a bit more professional.
On a final note, I’m still working out a better schedule to keep myself organized. I have a new idea that, if successful, will enable me to balance my author site, personal blog (Superlative Deviation), writing work, Youtube, and normal life a lot better. It will take time, but I’m up for the challenge. If I want to make something of myself and change my life, I have to put in a lot of work and accept that some things will temporarily make me uncomfortable. There are also changes in my household that are causing some bumps in the road, but again, that’s temporary. I also know I’ll be able to get more guidance from my friend and mentor, Alura, when the time is right.
If anyone reading this is experiencing difficulties trying to make something better for themselves and their family, please know you’re not alone. No matter what you think you see happening “out there”, your hopes and dreams still matter. No one is a lost cause, and – as Alura has said multiple times in Her videos, blogs, and private courses – this is not the end of the world. It’s the end of the world as we know it. Not everything will be broken down. And the world will need good people to help rebuild later. We’re here in this time for a reason, and we need to put differences aside and start helping each other. Don’t you think it’s about time?
This past fall didn’t go according to plan for us, and it looks like winter is going to be a bit different, too. We don’t celebrate all the same holidays as most people around us, which also makes us feel a bit detached from everything. We don’t have extended family to give us encouragement and support, but we do have our long-distance friends who have become like family, even though we haven’t met face-to-face yet. It’s not the same, but it makes all the difference in the world to us.
I’m going to be embracing the magic of this season in more ways than one. I’m walking the path I’m meant to walk in this life, and regardless of how bad some days may seem, I will never give up.
And if you need some prayers this week or any other time, I got you!
- E.W.
The Whiteraven Net 
1 thought on “Update: Perseverance and Celebrating Accomplishments”