Hello loves! I’m so excited to have a dear friend of mine visiting with us today. Laura is a beautiful person from the inside out, as you will soon see. I don’t want to give anything away, so read on and be inspired!
Pursuing Your Passion by LA Kuehlke
When Kelly asked me to write a guest post for her blog, I was thrilled. I was honored. I was simply super excited. I asked her what topic she’d like me to write on, and she suggested pursuing your passion. This was a very cool suggestion for two reasons: 1. it ties in to the title of my book series, the Pursuit Series, and 2. it perfectly explains where I am in life at this precise moment.
My day job is teaching seventh grade literature and writing. I’ve been doing this for…a long time. I love what I do, but a few years ago I found myself in a place where I was taking a good, hard look at my life and evaluating what I’d done, what I’d always wanted to do but never had, and what I still hoped to accomplish. I have many things in life of which I am proud and with which I am fulfilled. I am a wife, a mother, and an experienced teacher who still enjoys what she does. The one thing I hadn’t done, though, was something that I’d always said I’d do “one day”. For some reason, “one day” just never seemed to arrive.
What was this thing? you ask.
Oh, to write a novel, I answer.
As a little girl, I grew up watching Little House on the Prairie. Most, if not all, children of my generation could say the same thing. Laura Ingalls Wilder was my hero, and out of this came my desire to teach (check!) and write (uh-oh). I realized that, for my entire adult life, I’d always thought about writing, I’d always taught writing, but I hadn’t actually written. And if you’d asked me the question, What is your passion? All along, I would’ve answered, Writing.
So, why wasn’t I doing anything about it?
I spoke to a longtime friend who encouraged me to write the story I’d always dreamed of writing. The conversation went something like this:
Me: So, Laura (interestingly, we have the same name), I’m thinking of writing a novel. Am I nuts?
Laura: Nope. A few years ago, I made a total life change. It was the best thing I ever did. You have to do this.
Me: Really? You’re sure?
Laura: We’re not getting any younger, you know.
Me: Yeah, I know. Okay. I’ll do it!
And thus began my pursuit…in more ways than one. The title of my first novel, which took about two years from start to finish, faced a series of rejections, and was published in March, 2011, is titled Pursuit. This achievement only ignited more of a fire within me, and the second book in the series, Redemption, will be released next month, on March 2nd, to be exact. It’s been an exciting journey, and I’ve learned a many things along the way. The biggest lesson I learned, though, is to never give up on a dream, never allow the passion within you to die.
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I believe that gifts are placed within each person, gifts that help us fulfill the passion that God has placed within us. I imagine this passion as a little seed. As we use the gifts we’ve been given, the seed sprouts, giving life to our passion. As we continue to walk in these gifts, the sprouts grow taller, stronger, spreading through us and filling us with excitement and energy.
Now I have to ask, what is your passion? Have you shelved it because of the day-to- day demands of life? Do you find yourself thinking about it and wishing you could just go for it? You may face people who don’t fully understand or appreciate what you want to do…believe me, I’ve been there. You will also have many who support and rally behind you. You may even find that you inspire others to step out and pursue their own passion.
I haven’t regretted a moment of the last few years as I’ve taken a risk to see where my pursuit would take me. Of course there have been challenges, but they’re also worth it. The joy and fulfillment that comes out of living your passion provides an energy that helps you overcome each obstacle that you might face. So, I encourage you to take another look at your dream, your passion. Give it some sunshine and water. See what grows.
Laura
www.lakuehlke.com
WOWzer! Isn’t she fabulous? Ladies, Laura has graciously offered to give one of my lucky readers a copy of the first two books in her Pursuit Series, Pursuit and Redemption! How exciting is that?!? I already have a signed copy of Pursuit {big cheesy grin}. You will love her work! So, what are you waiting for?
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Angela says
Wow, this is really inspiring. I always say I'm going to write a book as well, but with a young child and a full-time job, it's easy to put off. I want to find a way to start making my dream a reality. I'm 34 now, which isn't old, but I'm not getting younger, either! Thanks for the inspiration!
Nancy says
Great post! Exactly what I need for exactly where I am. Thanks for sharing Kelly and Laura!
Blaire says
Hello, I just found this blog. I really like this guest post. I have always felt like writing was a passion of mine but sometimes due to grad school I have to put my writing on the back burner. But I loved this post. I am glad I came upon this.
Kristine Lynn Photography says
GREAT read! Writing is such an expression and although I don't write professionally, I can appreciate those who do! Congrats Laura!! ….I'm looking forward to checking out your newest book!! ~Kristine