As the summer nights develop further into the unknown, I sit and feel inspired to write to you all again. It’s been a minute. Of which, I can only apologise. Life often presents a multitude of twists and turns which bring surprise and, albeit confusion. However, we all eventually land on our feet.
This glorious Tuesday evening, for me, is filled with an effervescent stillness. A calm which cannot be questioned. I guess, a huge sense of release and freedom. The river below me barely quivers this evening, its colour is still, no ripples or flaws, just serenity. People fill the air with calm laughter and happiness as they meander across the bridge, filled with hope of their futures and happy moments of their past. A soft hum fills the air, mainly from air conditioning units encompassing the vast high rises surrounding me. Sunlight drops by the minute presenting a glorious frame to each individual facet of the architecture.
This night I am joined in the writing chair by a close friend. Speaking of my previous blog entries has inspired this writing. They sit close to me, encompassed in the most exciting orange dress, so true to the season. Their calming nature brings ease and comfort in beginning this writing process. I have never written in front of anyone before. We both take a minute to acknowledge this moment; I can see they feel the same way as me… Supreme freedom.
I come to you at a time where my life has taken a huge change, for the better. I am finally free of the constrains of corporate hospitality and have taken the dive to go freelance in what I believe is the perfect path for my future career. I am now my own boss! This, whilst I bloody adore the idea, does bring trepidation. It’s fricking scary! However, I have finally afforded myself a moment to breathe! Which quite frankly, is well deserved!
I fear the pressures of life can take over the true perception of reality. We feel the endless need to conform to societal needs and bag the perfect corporate job. A secure job with a monthly salary. A miserable job with no bloody happiness. Why are we doing this to ourselves? This is how my career went. Don’t get me wrong I adored the work I achieved and am so proud of the changes I made within the hospitality community; especially when it came to Diversity & Inclusion (of which I have awards for!!!!). But the freeing moment now is being able to design my own life.
Look, I haven’t done this with thousands of pounds of support behind me. I have worked my ass off to get to where I am. I found myself gaining unpaid opportunities which have beautifully awarded me the chance to take the leap and become freelance in my chosen field. My message is, anyone can do this. My advice is, never downgrade any opportunity, as this could support the future of your life. Take that free opportunity, take that free chance of happiness, take that free moment to truly develop you and your future. Not every unpaid opportunity should be turned away.
When facing the scariness of your potential future, I urge you all to take a leap. Yes, we have to answer to our parents, give explanation to our friends, provide reason to our partners; but at the end of the day – why should we? The people in your life will be far happier if you are truly happy within yourself. A common theme throughout my blogs is fighting societal norms. NOW IS THAT TIME! It doesn’t matter if you are part of my fabulous LGBTQI+ community, it matters that you are part OF a community! Build your life to be perfect for you. The happiness will prevail. You will prevail.
Be strong. Be Bold. Just Breathe.
Roro XOXO
Rowan Barr 