A few years ago, an editor asked me what kinds of stories I like to write. I thought about it for a minute. Over the course of my career, I’ve written about everything from a veteran who came up with a product idea while he was stationed in Afghanistan to the best chocolate in New Jersey. But, then it came to me.
“Bloom where you’re planted stories,” I blurted out.
It’s true. I love to explore how people can be happier, more successful (whatever that means to them), more resilient, and be more satisfied with their lives. As a longtime business writer, it might not seem like a natural progression. But I have spent years covering people who had an idea or passion and pursued it against all odds. Some created remarkable success stories. Some crashed into the wall but got up and tried again. Some moved on to other endeavors knowing that they tried the thing they wanted to do. And that was enough.
Can’t most of us relate to that? Life is messy. You may find an opportunity in front of you that leaves you both elated and sick to your stomach with imposter syndrome. Or you may go confidently in the direction of your dreams only to have life throw you a curveball that flattens you. Maybe you’re just bored and desperate to find something that will make you feel fulfilled again.
I think those situations have more in common than not. “Good” stress and “bad” stress can feel like the same thing.
Finding answers
Like most people, I’ve had times in my life when I have been at a crossroads and had to decide which direction to choose. I mostly find those times exhilarating. I love the thought of possibilities ahead.
There have also been times in my life when I’ve been overwhelmed by fear, grief, or anger. After hearing the word “cancer.” When economic downturns threatened my livelihood. When I lost people I love.
During many of those times, I found myself searching for answers—mostly online.
- How can I become a full-time writer?
- How can I get this overwhelming grief to subside?
- What can I do to not be so lonely?
- How can I tell my child I have cancer?
Of course, that met with varying degrees of success. Sometimes, I’d find exactly what I needed, while other times I’d be left feeling utterly alone.
But I’m also someone whose job is to find information. So, I persisted. I contacted experts. Through my work as a writer, I have access to some of the greatest minds in the world on any given subject. I’m paid to research and, often, to learn. And to help people find insights and solutions.
So, that brought me here. What if I could use those same skills to help people make their lives better, wherever they are? Of course, some challenges and circumstances are more complex and serious than others. Those factors should not be dismissed. But what we can accomplish and overcome when we know where to find information and help is usually remarkable.
The result is Bloom Anywhere. Here, the goal is to give you a starting point to find help, hope, resources, and inspiration to make their lives better. From overcoming a heartbreaking setback to transforming your life, this is a starting point to help you address what’s holding you back and move forward.
Life is messy. Thrive anyway.
