Weekly Newsletter: Impermanence

​     I’ve been writing for more than three decades, but have never been able to claim it as my sole source of income. For 32 years I worked as a letter carrier for the United States Postal Service. There was a time when my writing was marginally successful and I considered giving up my fulltime salary to become a fulltime writer. I chose not to, however, and looking back, I’m glad I didn’t quit my day job.
     During those days of delivering mail, I often longed for a day when I could write fulltime. I didn’t understand the idea of impermanence, and it felt as if I would never retire. I’m happy to report that retirement finally came, and I was able to move on and become a fulltime writer.
Only, I didn’t.
     The thing that I thought I wanted for all those years, when it was finally within my grasp, I no longer graved it. I took five years off from my writing and then started once more. Nothing is permanent. I also know that there will probably come a day when I feel as if I’ve written everything I have to say and there is no more. I’m happy to say I chose to enjoy my years at the Post Office as best as I could. Dreams are wonderful. But, they can change. Don’t forget to appreciate the work at hand.