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Elizabeth DeHaan's avatar

Thanks so much for sharing! I really needed this reminder that my worth is not tied to any external success. In this current season , I am also rediscovering the joy of time and living life more on my own terms. It's such a beautiful reminder that you have nothing to prove to anyone but yourself.

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Jennifer Ortakales's avatar

I'm so glad this encouraged you, Elizabeth! Yes, we can spend much of our lives trying to prove ourselves to others, but I've found that when I just sit in the truth that, "I am..." (oftentimes it's "a writer") I'm reminded that we are already many powerful, beautiful things!

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Jerry Lanson's avatar

Thanks for your honesty in this piece Jennifer. Journalism is a very, very tough business these days. Still important, but tough. Here's the good news. Writing will always be part of who you are, whether you go back in the field as a profession or not. Sometimes the best way to figure out the next step is to take a pause.

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Jennifer Ortakales's avatar

Thank you for reading, Jerry! Agreed, journalism is so tough, especially as more publications divest from quality journalism and seem to be more interested in the sensational news hits that will go viral on social media. But yes! I'm encouraged to know that writing will always be my main thing, but how I use it can change from time to time.

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Tidy Dad's avatar

I resonate with this story so much. For years I pursued more positional power for the sake of “status, a bit more money, more respect, etc.” but that pursuit left me broken and empty. I returned to teaching for many of the reasons as you becoming a barista. There’s a joyful simplicity to life.

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Jennifer Ortakales's avatar

Yes, there is a lot of joy in simplicity! We can easily make career about status, money, respect, etc. But it is so freeing to know that a job doesn't have to be about those things.

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Jasmine Shields's avatar

Hi Jennifer! Thank you so much for sharing your journey. I’m in a similar boat and encouraged to do things that spark joy and peace. I pray all the best for you in this new season!

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