Chapter 1: The Power of Perseverance

Recently, I found myself enjoying dinner with my two sons. My youngest, a passionate writer and musician, has taken the leap to chase his aspirations. While I'm thrilled to have him back for the weekend, I recognize the challenges he's facing in his artistic journey.

Pursuing a career in writing or music is no easy feat. He's deeply immersed in the creative hustle, balancing a job at a restaurant with studio sessions, writing, and performing at local gigs. In every sense, he embodies the life of a struggling artist.

My oldest son and I can relate, as we both tread similar paths. I transitioned from being a business columnist to a freelance journalist focused on relationships, while my eldest is carving out a niche in advertising and sports writing.

"I'm truly proud of your efforts," I express to my youngest. "What you’re doing is no walk in the park."

"You just have to keep pushing forward," he replies with determination.

Curious about his experiences, I ask, "How do audiences react to your performances?"

"The feedback has been positive," he responds. "But honestly, that’s not what matters. You must be ready to face rejection and continue onward."

His insight and resolve leave me in awe. I, too, am familiar with the sting of rejection. At one point, I switched my major to business after my mother, a single parent, suggested that pursuing writing was akin to being a starving artist. Though I don’t regret my degree, a dream lingered within me—a childhood passion I couldn’t shake.

There were certainly moments when I contemplated giving up. A rejection letter would often lead to a pause in my submissions, but eventually, I found my way back to the pen, paper, or keyboard.

I recall confiding in my sister about my frustrations. I often felt like throwing in the towel, yet the desire to be published burned brightly within me.

"I sympathize with you," my incredibly understanding sister said. "My passion lies in nursing, where I can fulfill my dreams, but you are navigating the tough terrain of creativity."

"I understand," I replied. "But I have a quote that keeps me going."

"What is it?" she asked.

"Success is going from failure to failure without losing your enthusiasm." — Winston Churchill

"That sounds disheartening," she remarked.

"Really?" I countered. "I find it uplifting and motivating. It's a testament to resilience."

Eventually, my perseverance paid off. After years of effort, my first article was published in Washingtonian Magazine—a significant achievement considering the time period when print media dominated and rejection rates were around 98%. I was among the fortunate 2% in one of the nation’s premier media markets.

Over the years, I have expressed my gratitude to the editor who took a chance on me, as that opportunity opened countless doors.

Writing, much like other forms of art, is subjective; some will appreciate your work while others may not. It's crucial to find your audience and keep striving without losing hope.

I once read an article featuring actress Sharon Stone, where she was asked how she maintained her motivation in a cutthroat industry. Her paraphrased response was, "I understood that rejection is merely one person's opinion."

Her words have stuck with me. Along with the wisdom of Churchill and others, they have fueled my resolve to persist in an incredibly competitive field, despite the challenges ahead.

Now, I stand firmly behind my son’s ambitions. I believe in his potential and recognize the significance of encouragement in the face of rejection. The wisdom of others has instilled confidence in my own abilities.

This motivational video emphasizes the importance of pursuing dreams and not giving up, no matter the obstacles faced.

An inspiring video that highlights the notion that with faith and determination, the impossible can become possible.

Chapter 2: Reflections on Love and Loss

Photo by Lukas: On Pexels

I divorced a man I loved, yet leaving someone doesn’t always equate to a lack of love.

Divorce made my return to the Jersey Shore painful, but ten years later, my ‘Bestie Sister’ was still waiting for me.

I lost everything I owned, but that moment brought me to tears.

Post-divorce, I fell back in love with myself, a relief after the exhausting journey of insecurity.

Marriage wasn’t the fairy tale I envisioned—who knew that divorce would turn out to be my own storybook ending?

I used to get up and sing in a lively Irish bar; this St. Patrick’s Day, one Irish girl may just make her return.

Cinderella’s Hangover: A much-needed fairy tale for women navigating life’s complexities.

About Me — Colleen Sheehy Orme: A journey fueled by love and resilience.