One year ago I published this post about the new business I was working on and trying to make it a reality.

The following is a list of 5 reasons I can say a year later, “This is Sweeter than Christmas Morning”.

1) I’m happy with my decision. Yes, even more pleased with the direction I’m headed than I was a year ago.

Last year I said, “ Thousands of copywriters work as employees of corporations and large businesses, but my desire is to work as an independent company and work from home.”

I’ve stayed with that plan by passing up job openings I could have applied for to write for a marketing company. This road is harder, but it gives me more freedom.

2) I’ve narrowed my focus down to a manageable and appropriate niche.

Another quote from a year ago: “ I have realized that working as a copywriter is as diverse as working in careers like electronics or engineering. The possible paths are too numerous to count!

It took a lot of time, research and thinking. It’s been a lot like focusing a microscope. Once the view is clear, you have an “Aha moment”.

3)  I’ve learned a lot about the difference between busy and productive.

For quite a while I was satisfied just being busy. That gave me a good feeling and it’s easy to see how that feeling could become addictive and end up holding me back. Then, I that realized that some things were not honestly moving me closer to my goals. I’m still learning to recognize those activities and to remove them from my agenda.
4)  Some of my work has been published!

You can see some examples here, here and here. The third one on the list and another one on the same subject were published in Alabama Veterinarian this quarter. It’s a print magazine for members of the ALVMA.
One big surprise has been the satisfaction I feel from writing content that has the potential to help people be better pet owners. And, in other articles help veterinarians have better and more satisfying practices.

Here and here are a couple of article published in Veterinary Practice News.

5)  I’ve made progress toward establishing my new identity.

Back in 2002, when Connie and I left our places in our professions as local veterinarian and school teacher and headed to Ecuador as missionaries, there was another surprise awaiting us. It took us a while to realize we’d lost our identities in the process. We still agree 100% that we did the right thing and would not change our decision. But, having an identity is important.

I’m convinced of my new identity as a freelance writer. Hopefully, over time, others will recognize it, too.

For more about my new identity, you can visit my (still a work in progress) website.