I wrote an essay that was published by PBS Next Avenue a few weeks ago. You can read it here: Finally Ready for Marriage at 50.

This was my first paid writing assignment and will hopefully be one of many. After years of barely blogging, a stint in stand–up comedy, and the constant pull to write more but never finding the headspace to do it while also giving all my energy, brainpower, love, and attention to a demanding corporate career, I finally made the change in my world that allows me to prioritize writing. The short story is, I quit my job. The long story is that it took more than two years of planning with my husband, lots of hand wringing, and working really hard to allow my nervous system (and my husband’s) to be okay with me prioritizing my time over money. It’s easy to ride the “life is short” sentiment because it so is — but when you actually take the leap and walk away from a comfortable salary, especially at a time when so many people are being bullied out of their jobs, the doubt–monster gets real loud. You think about how you might live to age 90 and feel guilt for having the privilege of being able to swap a solid salary for, let’s face it, probably a 4-figure salary this year, if I’m lucky. And then your nervous system is jacked again, and you have to remind yourself that your time is valuable, that money isn’t everything (as long you have some, am I right?), and so the loop goes. So, getting that check in the mail for writing, the thing I’ve been squawking about wanting to do for so long, was big moment for me. 

And while my lighthearted essay won’t win a Pulitzer Prize, or even a Cereal Box prize, it represents the change of direction in my life. So, let’s pretend I won. I’ve won the Cereal-Pulitzer-Box-Prize. For this honor I will receive miniature (cereal box prize sized) bragging rights. My acceptance speech would include the following people…

* My favorite human, my husband, for loving words and stories and jokes as much as I do. And for supporting me through a crazy rollercoaster-decision to leave corporate America. 

* My endlessly supportive family and friends, especially super-cheerleaders Sandy, Graham, Carolyn, Lucy, Tracy, and Karin (who often doubles as an editor).

* My dynamo teacher Estelle Erasmus, who suggested I pitch my essay on getting married later in life to Next Avenue.

* My Mom, RIP (I’d point up to the sky at this point), who always told me, “You should write a book.” If I ever do, it will be dedicated to her…unless it has bad words in it, then she wouldn’t approve. 

* The Pulitzer Cereal Box Prize Academy, for selecting me. 

As always, thanks for reading. 

Tracy