Doors Open and Close: A State of Affairs

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.' We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone and as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give others permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

- Marianna Williamson

You may be wondering why I started this post with a long inspirational quote. Too be honest, I was going to use one that is super cliched: When door closes, another opens. Instead I reference it in my title and give you the quote which I have tried to keep in mind since I discovered it in the 8th grade. 

Everyone wants to blend. People don't want to make mistakes or be weird. I can't sit here and tell you that I haven't done my fair share of blending. That being said I think there is something to be said for a fear of greatness. Greatness means putting yourself out there and risking failure. I figure if you put yourself out there enough times something is bound to stick.

In December, I applied for the Global Academic Fellowship in Writing with the New York University campus in Abu Dhabi. This morning I found out I wasn't short-listed, which was a nice way of them to tell me that I didn't get the position. I'm not devastated and it wasn't my only post-graduation option, but I did really want to go abroad for the year. I could really use a change of pace. While that door has closed, I have to believe that post-graduation options are going to reveal themselves over the next few weeks.

As you are also aware, Saturday marked my retirement from ski racing. It means no more speed suits, inspections or waxing skis. That door closed, but another opportunity in the industry has opened. I have been asked to assist in covering NCAA Nationals hosted by Middlebury College next week. The publication is called "Alpine Press" and I have already written two freelance pieces for them:

Dartmouth Grabs Cats by the Tail at Middlebury Carnival 

Catamounts Keep Big Green at Bay to Win Middlebury Carnival

Today I put in my request for a press pass at NCAA Nationals and I am anxiously awaiting an approval email! There is my new open door: freelance journalism. If it helps me stay involved in ski racing, I am totally into it.

I just wanted to give you guys a state of my current affairs in terms of possible post-graduation plans and let you know that while a lot of my life is 'licious, it's not perfect. Have questions? Here are options for asking and contacting me: EMAIL and VYOU.

xoxo

Gabbi