Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Merry Christmas!





Merry Christmas!

Close to one year ago, I lost my full-time position of 20+ years. Since that day - December 28th, 2012 - I've done no paid work in my old field of voice-overs, production and editing. I had no confidence remaining concerning my skills. I had not only been let go, but all vestiges of my existence were utterly wiped from the company website (which I still resent and find inexplicable, since others with far less time at the company had QUIT and still been featured on the website for possible freelance work. Even if I had never received a single call to do such work, it would have soothed some of my inner turmoil if they hadn't immediately jettisoned me from the freelance roster as though I was unskilled garbage. I am, so far as I know, the only person to leave the company to whom that happened.) Anyway, I felt a need to travel a new career path. I decided to become a professional writer.

This past year, I've been published 17 times, in five different print venues (with a sixth now pending), and I am proud of that. As time goes on - and my writing appears in more places - it becomes easier to sell myself. My hope is to at least double my sales rate in this coming year.

Today - Christmas - I have another piece published in the Boston Herald. I certainly know folks have more important things to do today than read me. My piece is in the spirit of the day, however, and if you'd like to read a nice little tale about something that happened quite a few holidays back, please go HERE.

As always, if you have time to leave a comment, I am in your debt. You need only ask a return of the favor and I will be at your service immediately.

(I also have a full page in Discover magazine's Year In Science issue, now on newsstands! You can go to their website and see what it was I wrote about - my by-line is on #40 of the Top 100 stories of the year - but you'll have to buy the print issue to actually read the article. Go ahead; you know you want to!)

I realize I haven't been able to accomplish any of this without help, nor will I continue doing well without more. First and foremost, no matter what perilous situation I find myself in, God somehow lands me on my feet. This Christmas finds me more aware of my blessings than I may have been at any previous time in my life. Beyond thanks to God, I wish to extend my sincerest thanks to my friends and family for giving me support and encouragement. Believe me, I appreciate it all.

And then there is MY WIFE. You are a blessing I have in mind all day, every day. Thank you for being my solid ground.

May God bless your celebrations and make His many blessings abundantly clear to you. No matter what the situation, and even if you don't see the blessing immediately, it is there somewhere. Consider it a spiritual treasure hunt you're undertaking. You'll always find it, sooner or later.

I often close with these words to you. The reason is because God says much the same to me...

Soon, with more better stuff.


22 comments:

Alison said...

Merry Christmas Jim. I believe God has blessed us in many ways. I'm glad that you have been a part of those blessings. Have a wonderful day!

Lowandslow said...

Hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas, Jim. You obviously have immense talent....it's just unfortunate that it took a career change for the rest of world to get to see it. Still, as you said, God saw to it you landed on your feet. Keep up your great writing, and best wishes for a happy, healthy, prosperous 2014.

S

Yogi♪♪♪ said...

Merry Christmas to you from Oklahoma.

Your story of a brutal termination and then reinventing your professional self is actually quite inspiring. Plus it gives your writing a little attitude that sets it apart from the pack.

messymimi said...

A blessed and beautiful Christmas to you and Your Wife!

Bruce Coltin said...

Merry Christmas, Jim! And, never give up the fight.

joeh said...

Your lowest moment last year will someday be recognized as a blessing which drove you to success in you real passion.

Merry Christmas my friend, and here is to a happy prosperous New Year...and a softball championship as well.

Unknown said...

Merry Christmas Jim!

Like the other commenters, you are awe inspiring!

And I look forward to your "more better stuff."

*smile*

You ARE blessed. Be happy.

Ami said...

Thanks so much for the smiles over the years. Merry Christmas to you and yours!! :)

Craig said...

"God somehow lands me on my feet. . ."

Ain't that just the way He rolls? At least, that' always been my experience. . . Whether I deserve it or not. . .

Buck said...

Merry Christmas to you and yours, Jim.

Absolut Ruiness said...

A VERY merry Christmas to you too Jim! Thanks for being there somewhere on the internet for all of us who haven't, and most probably will never, meet you in person.

Michelle H. said...

A merry Christmas to you.

IT (aka Ivan Toblog) said...

"...God somehow lands me on my feet..."

88opv <--(I don't know what that means I was just cleaning the keyboard)

I've been following here for awhile now and have seen a lot of what you're about

I will stick my neck out and say that you pretty much have given God a lot to work with and you deserve the best

Hilary said...

I'm so happy things are working out for you, Jim.

I will take your wise and encouraging words to heart. They are much needed and much appreciated right now.

I hope you and yours had a wonderful Christmas.

Rocket Science Mom said...

Merry Christmas Jim. Been a long time on/off again reader of your blog. So sorry to hear of your employment change earlier this year but how cool that you're writing for Discover Magazine! Love it. As a spacecraft mission design engineer, I loved the alternate propulsion for Santa's Sleigh article. :)

Have the best New Year, and much love to you and your lovely wife.

Anonymous said...

I can't believe it's been a year, but I'm not surprised you've surged forward and been so successful in building a new career. Here's to more better stuff for both of us in the new year!

Anonymous said...

Oh, Merry Christmas to you and your WIFE!

Julie said...

Great article - thanks Jim. It's good to be reminded that how we respond to situations is our choice.

May you and your wife has a wonderful 2014!

3GKnight said...

Happy New Year!

Agent 54 said...

Merry Christmas.

I need your help. I've been a technician all my adult life but, I've been "downsized" 4 times now, twice in the past 2 years and I can no longer find a job that pays enough.
I've been writing my Agent 54 blog for 6 months now to showcase my comedy skills.
Can you help me get paid for writing? I really have to find a way to supplement my income.
Thank you. Tim Hecht

Suldog said...

Tim - Give me a URL for your blog so I can visit. I'll be happy to answer any questions you ask, but remember I'm somewhat of a newbie at this myself. I've only been trying to get published for a year or so, and (as you can see by the post that followed this one) not always a success. But glad to help if I have any knowledge you need. Drop me a line at suldog@aol.com and I'll try to give you my best answers to your questions.

Agent 54 said...

My Agent 54 blog: http://agent54nsa.blogspot.com/

Thank you.