What a difference a year makes!

Guest Contributor: Kayleen Reusser
Kayleen's Posts - Kayleen's Blog

One year ago, I started my adventure as a full-time freelance writer. I was nervous and excited, not sure what the future might hold. There were some tough weeks when no paychecks came in and we seemed to treading on thin ice financially. The job ads were looked at frequently, just in case we decided this would not work.

Then our second car went through a ditch in an ice storm and was out of commission for a while. This prevented me from finding another job as there was no transportation.

During that time, I kept plugging away at my writing, while starting a Master Mind group in January.

The group consisted of two other people I had met in a writing group. The three of us were interested in meeting regularly and holding each other accountable for our goals, while encouraging each other to reach far and dream big.

Over the past months, I realized it is hard to dream big when you're concerned about every dime that goes out and comes in. By meeting with my Master Mind group, I was able to get my mind off of myself and think about my friends who were also trying new projects and careers.

Now, each time we meet, we suggest ways to work smarter, not harder. I'm particularly interested in marketing and have tried to think of ways my friends could promote their products.

Since January, both members have started websites and developed new products to promote their beliefs and careers. It's hard to imagine I had much to do with their success, but they say it is true.

They are part of the reason for my ability to think big. New markets for my writing have opened up, such as Indianapolis Monthly, Farm & Ranch Living, Elks Magazine, and other national publications.

I've also desired to share my writing talents. Two charities have held auctions in which I donated one free 500-word written profile to the highest bidder of each. This is one way to give back to the people who have supported me through the years.

Then this week I made arrangements to begin teaching a small group of inner-city students at a Christian-based after-school program on the subject of writing. A year ago, that may not have been possible as my self-esteem and willingness to put myself out there was not as high as it is today. This is a big step for me as teaching has not been a part of my background.

But a year of self-growth and almost a year of meeting with my Master Mind group has made all the difference. It seems like the right thing to do in sharing my knowledge with those who are young enough to use it as a career. Other writing projects, including one with a medical group, have opened up, as well as copywriting for a tourism center.

I can't wait to see what the next year holds! One thing is certain: my Master Mind group will be part of it.