I wanted to write a post today about how I am totally inspired by Jeremy Renner. I read an article on him a few weeks ago that talked about his early days as a struggling actor. How he couldn’t pay his electric bill and how Ramen was a treat. How he took small parts in movies but wasn’t getting recognized. How he started flipping houses just to pay the bills. How he was in The Hurt Locker and basically, his entire life changed. How, at 40, he is finally seeing the for which success he worked and struggled. I wanted to write about how that completely inspires me and encourages me. But my brain got stuck when I tried writing anything that makes sense. So please bear with me.
I tend to find inspiration in strange places. As I am now firmly in my 30s, I often tell myself that I’m too old to pursue a dream or learn a new skill or that I’ll never make it as a successful blogger/author/fill in the blank. There are so many people who have a fresher perspective or new ideas or confidence. Why would an audience flock to me when there are so many smarter, wittier, more talented writers than me? It’s hard to convince myself to compete with the “younger” crowd because really, who wants a fairly calm, middle aged dog when you can have an energetic, entertaining puppy?
Then I see stories about people like Jeremy Renner or Jane Lynch or Rodney Dangerfield, who didn’t find success until later in life. I realize that I’m not so much different than them. I have dreams and dedicaiton and work ethic and I hope, a little bit of talent. I’ve struggled to get to where I am. They didn’t quit even though they were competing against younger, differently talented, possibly better looking actors. They didn’t quit because it was financially tough. They didn’t quit because they knew how badly they wanted it and they believed that if they worked hard enough, it would eventually pay off (I’m not sure if this is actually true but I’m going to pretend that it is). Since they didn’t quit, I can’t quit. I try to believe that it will pay off.
Make no mistake about it, I don’t for one second believe that trying to pursue my dream of being a writer is ridiculous (though, on occasion, I do question its practicality). I don’t think anyone’s dream is ridiculous. If I do, I’m certainly not going to say anything. Because who am I to crush anyone else’s dream? That’s why I encourage my daughter to pursue her dream of being a mermaid (seriously, it’s what she wants to be when she grows up). As her mother, I will do everything possible to help her fulfill her mermaid dream. When she realizes that’s not possible, I will encourage her in whatever comes next. Because dreams are important. And you have to believe, as I do, that your dreams will eventually come true (yes, even my ludicrous one of interviewing Jason Segel).
That doesn’t mean that I think that dreams should be pursued with little to no planning. In order for me to pursue my dream, I had to have a familial support system as well as a network of other writers/bloggers. I had to find a niche where I belong (and I don’t for one second believe that finding a place in the personal finance world is an accident). Most importantly, I had to have my finances in order.
This March marks a huge month in my financial life. As of this March (possibly February), I will be completely nonmortgage debt free. My husband still has student loans but as far as what my name is on, the mortgage is all. Having this in my not-so-distant future means that I will be able to save money in an emergency-I-can’t-wait-to-quit-my-job fund and actually, for the first time in my 34 years, have the freedom to do what I want to do. I still have income sources, and I’m working on a few ideas for other income streams, so I won’t be earning $0 which is comforting. But I’ll be earning that money doing what I believe I’m supposed be doing–writing.
I might never be a New York Times best selling author or make $1,000,000. But I’m fine with that. I bet Jeremy Renner never thought that he’s have 2 Academy Award nomiations. But the bottom line is that he’s a successful, working actor who can say, with certainty, “I’m an actor”. And as long as I’m writing, and I’m earning a few dollars, I can say, with certainty, that I’m a writer.
Even if I’m an older dog, I’m pretty sure I’m not out of tricks yet.
Christa says
I think older dogs are much more entertaining and insightful than young puppies 😉 I love books and articles with insight. I think you’ll do wonderfully as a writer. Good luck chasing your dreams!
Jana says
Thanks, Christa!
anotherhousewife says
My favorite quote is: It’s never too late to be what you might have been.—George Elliot.
I have it on a bookmark to remind that one day I will be reading my own story 🙂
You are destined for great things Jana don’t you ever give up!
anotherhousewife recently posted…A Much Needed Break
Jana says
I like the idea of putting it on a bookmark. You’re always full of great ideas. Also, I’m using that for a Weekend Wisdom quote.
And yes, you will be reading your own story one day. I will keep bothering you until you make it happen 🙂
Crystal says
I think it’s funny that you think 34 is an “older dog”. You are still a youngin’! And all dreams are possible even into the later years of life. I graduated from college with a 83 year old who just got her bachelor’s and was looking into writing and teaching opportunities. 🙂
Crystal recently posted…Comment on My Husband Hired a Personal Trainer by Nick
Jana says
I’m feel like one of those dogs who’s not a puppy nor a senior. I’m right in the middle.
I love stories like that! Definitely reminds me that it’s never too late to do anything even if sometimes I do feel like it.
101 Centavos says
34 is “later in life?”
Hah!
You’re still a pup.
101 Centavos recently posted…Retiring Abroad — A Few Things to Ponder
Jana says
I don’t necessarily think I’m old or later in life. I just feel sometimes that I’ve come to the blogging party a little late and seeing all the amazing things that the 20-somethings are doing makes me question if I belong here.
Newlyweds on a Budget says
i believed in mermaids for the longest time. a part of me still does, i also think big foot may be real. because hey, just because you haven’t seen it, doesn’t mean it’s not real, right?? : P
i think the closest thing to being a mermaid would be to go swimming with dolphins. perhaps you can treat your daughter one year.
Jana says
That’s actually an excellent idea! I think she’s a little young right now but maybe when she’s older.
Newlyweds on a Budget says
oh AND in vegas (and I’m sure a lot of other places) they have those photos where they can put your face on a different body (my dad was rambo once and it was hilarious!) you should put your daughter’s on a mermaid!!
Newlyweds on a Budget recently posted…Weekly Roundup and Link Love
Foxie says
Why yes, mermaids are real. 😉 If your daughter wants to be a mermaid, she can be! (Had to leave you a comment with this, I’m sure there are videos somewhere of them that may interest your daughter. Her dream isn’t that crazy!)