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“What you seek is seeking you” — Rumi.
Last January, I was in the midst of my post-graduate depression. At the time, I had the support of my family, my talent, and a newly earned Master’s degree. What I didn’t have was a job. My plan after graduate school was always to work in the entertainment industry. Even though I was in Ohio, each morning, I would religiously log onto Linkedin, wondering what new jobs were posted. Daily, I would check in with former colleagues and classmates to see if anyone could help me find a position. Although my effort was evident, opportunities still never seemed to show up.
Following much contemplation and attempts to secure employment, I began to lose hope. One afternoon after a morning of digital networking and job applications, I decided I was going to loathe in self-pity and binge-watch television.
What I have come to learn is that God gives us exactly what we need when we need it.
After two episodes of Naruto, something compelled me to refresh my e-mail. When I opened my e-mail, I had a note from an early college readiness program coordinator. I received the e-mail at exactly 2:43 pm on January 22.
The message was kind, concise, but most notably random. I had put my speaking gigs and books on the back burner, I was more so interested in working for someone else than doing my own thing as a speaker-author. I had forgotten about my books and my public speaking abilities. (Imagine that!)
The early college readiness program coordinator introduced himself and told me his plan for the summer and how I could be involved.
‘We are planning to use your newest book in our summer transition class for these high school graduates, and it would be great for them to hear from the author. I can be reached by e-mail or phone to discuss speaking and travel fees.’
Jumping with joy, I quickly responded to the e-mail, and later that week, we talked on the phone. As shocked and humbled as I was to hear that this coordinator wanted to use my book for their college readiness program, I was deeply interested in how he found me. In our introductory phone conversation, I was able to ask this question directly.
‘Well, I was Googling college readiness books. I found your website, read the free chapter of your book, and decided this is the kind of material our students need.”
My heart beamed with such joy and pride. This man had no idea how I was having a rough day at the time of his call. Our conversation was what I needed to help cheer me up. Months later, I traveled to the campus of the early college program and had a phenomenal time. On the day of our event, I met so many promising students, their parents, and signed a slew of books that the school purchased. I was well compensated for my speech and time. The team over the program said that we would be in touch and would work together again soon.
Today, over a year later, I am working with this team again to do a virtual workshop for their students this summer. My intent in telling this story is not to brag or boast. There are two big lessons that I have come to accept that I must share. The first is that God gives us what we need when we need it. The other teachable nugget here is to stress how important it is to continue to work hard regardless of whether I see the results of my efforts or not.
The Genesis of Writing My Second Book
My second book, Dealing with this Thing Called College, was written because I felt like I had a story to share. I knew first hand how hard it was for me, a first-generation college student, to graduate from undergrad. The day after graduation, I started writing, because doing so felt like purpose-driven work. Not once did I think about who would buy the book, how many speaking engagements I could snag, I merely wanted to share my story. I didn’t know that I would still be landing opportunities for myself off of that one book two years later. I only knew that I had a project that I was passionate about creating.
Small Beginnings Are Okay
Zechariah 4:10 of the Bible says,
‘Do not despise these small beginnings, for the LORD rejoices to see the work.’
So often, in our Instagram culture, everyone wants to see quick, instantaneous results of their work. What I have come to learn is that sometimes that is not always the case. It was two years after I put down the first sentence of my book that I landed a four-figure fee speaking gig. Patience takes the cake every time. It is vital that we all continuously remind ourselves that what is for us may not show up when we want it, but it will be there right on time. It is okay to be patient, and it is okay to start small because good things take time to grow.
What We Seek Is Also Seeking Us
How many times do we go out of our way to try and win over the validation and approval of those who don’t want us? How often do we dismiss, dilute, and diminish who we are at our essence, hoping that someone will give us the opportunity we so desperately seek? I have found myself being that person more times than I can count. What I’ve learned from this experience is that if I just keep working hard over time and being true to my soul, that the opportunities I seek will also seek me.
I did impressive work by writing a book. My hard work continued when I built an SEO friendly WordPress site that allowed me to even show up on Google when someone searched for college readiness material. I can’t count the number of hours it took to teach myself web design and SEO tips I have implemented. The energy of all of those efforts met me when this coordinator found my work online and decided he wanted to work with me. We must continue to do work, regardless of who appreciates us now.
Conclusion
We all have to keep following our hearts and doing good work. No social media campaign or cold e-mail can create opportunities that merely hard work and passion can bring. As I reflect on this story, I am inspired. I plan to keep doing what feels right in my soul and trusting that everything else will work itself out. I desire to use my storytelling abilities to change the hearts and minds of those that will listen. Whether it is writing blogs, creating television, authoring a book, or recording a podcast, I will keep going. I hope after reading this story; you feel inspired to fiercely follow your dreams too, knowing the opportunities you seek are also seeking you.
Be Inspired!