I just received my print copy of Sasee Magazine with my art and article inside, and I’m over the moon! There’s something magical about holding that glossy magazine in my hands and seeing my work in print.
It’s amazing to think it started with…
And evolved into…
And ended with… BAM!
It was a mind-blowing moment, but let’s be real—I my work didn’t get published without me facing some fears and doubts along the way. Each step of this process, with all its rejections and uncertainties, has been a part of reaching this milestone. It’s a great reminder that the real success is in having the courage to keep trying, no matter how daunting it might seem.
We all know that feeling of standing at the edge of something new, whether it’s a big career move, a creative project, or even just a bold conversation. It’s exciting yes, but it’s also terrifying. Fear of rejection can be a paralyzing force, and it often keeps us from pursuing our dreams with the fervor we’d like.
I’ve had family and friends tell me they admire my ability to go after what I want without hesitation.
Are you kidding me?
If they could peek into my mind before I hit the send button on a submission, they’d see a tornado of doubts and anxieties swirling around.
But the truth is, fear is an inevitable part of the process. Every time I put myself out there, whether it’s submitting a manuscript, sharing a new painting, or even just stepping into a social situation, there’s an element of fear. It’s not that I’m fearless—it’s that I’ve learned to embrace the fear and push forward anyway. The courage to act despite the fear is what matters most.
The old adage, you’ll never succeed at something if you don’t try, is true. But the concept of success isn’t always about landing a top spot or raking in the cash. For me, the true success is in the act of trying itself. Each attempt, regardless of the outcome, is a win in its own right. The value lies in the process, not just the result.
I’ve faced my fair share of it, and if you’re in any creative or ambitious field, you probably have too. Rejection can feel like a personal attack, but it’s important to remember that it’s not a reflection of your worth. It’s simply a part of the experience of publishing. Every “no” is a steppingstone to a “yes.” Every failure is an opportunity to learn and refine your approach.
I remember when I first started writing, my work was met with more rejections than acceptance. It felt disheartening, but I also knew that every “no” meant I was getting closer to finding the right fit. Each rejection was a lesson—what didn’t work, and what I might try differently next time. I’ve learned to view rejection not as a dead end but as a fork in the road, leading me to new paths and perspectives.
Failure, while painful, is an essential part of progress. It’s how we learn, grow, and ultimately achieve our goals. I’ve discovered that failure is not the opposite of success but a crucial component of it. Every time something doesn’t go as planned, it’s a chance to adjust, improve, and move forward with greater knowledge and resilience.
It’s perfectly okay to be afraid. Fear is a natural response to stepping out of our comfort zones. The important thing is not to let that fear paralyze us. Instead, we need to acknowledge it, face it head-on, and use it as fuel to drive us forward. Fear is not a signal to stop; it’s a signal to proceed with caution and bravery.
Picture this: if the publishing world were a horror movie—and sometimes it definitely feels like one—how long would you last? Would you be paralyzed by fear, the kind of person who’s one of the first to get picked off, or would you grab your metaphorical machete and fight your way through, emerging as the sole survivor?
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and ready to quit when the rejections pile up, but imagine yourself as the hero of your own story. Instead of letting the fear freeze you, what if you faced every challenge with determination and grit?
The difference between success and giving up often comes down to how you handle those scary moments. So, gear up, keep swinging, and turn the horror movie of publishing into your personal win.