While launching my writing career, I learned how much I spoke, but didn’t listen. Over the course of the past five years, I have learned to say less, listen more, and observe a lot. After moving around a lot growing up, living in southwest Oklahoma has changed my perspectives and taught me a lot about myself and people.
I never dared to dream of attempting to build a career as a writer. I simply thought writing was a skill I had, like some kids are incredible spellers. Somewhere in early 2018, as forces beyond my control forced me to change careers, my uncle pointed out that I was a writer. At first, I was frustrated, angry even. I did not want to be seen as a writer, I was a business consultant. Fast forward a year, and I embraced the idea of being a writer. A little more than five years into this journey, and I am finally confident enough to say I am an author.
Writing has opened a door for me to share my mistakes, lessons learned, and what I see in life with others. I have also gotten to do some amazing things and meet incredible individuals I otherwise would never have gotten to know. Early into my mid-20s, I learned that if I could learn from other people’s mistakes, life might just be a little easier. We don’t have to experience every hardship, challenge, or mistake to learn a valuable lesson.
Somewhere in the middle of the pandemic I lost my sense of pride. As we all struggled to make heads or tails of an everchanging world, I realized the more vulnerable and real each of us were, the easier it was to create connections with others, to not feel alone, and to support and cheer each other on. And so my writing became much more personal. It began to reflect what I was experiencing: the challenges in my home. My readers seemed to like this new angle, and my pieces have reflected the change ever since.
I hope this column provides laughter, lessons, observations, and maybe, just maybe, some wisdom. I make no promises other than to be genuine, authentic, and vulnerable. I look forward to getting to know each of you and hope you will reach out.
Sara Orellana is a community volunteer, entrepreneur, author, amateur chef, and advocate for rescued animals. She may be reached by email at believestrengthpassion@gmail.com.