PERSONAL ESSAY | NICHE. SWEET. VALUABLE.
About Me Part II— Candy Kennedy
Reflection
I shared my first About Me story in March of this year. The narrative's gist was a synopsis of my past and the influences that have shaped me as an adult and writer. Perhaps vital to this latest iteration is my quote from the former work:
If I have the opportunity to influence one person by sharing my story, it is a gift; to affect or motivate others is profoundly inspiring.
When I started journaling in the latter months of 2021, I was on a journey to rebuild peace and happiness after loss—to be renewed and reborn.
My growth since then has been monumental. So much has changed, and that is why an update is undeniable. The key points to describe where I am now are below.
Authenticity
I am on a path to authenticity. I strive to be bold enough to be myself and carry out my life according to my values and aspirations. That has been challenging. Life as it is now is not what I envisioned or desired. Living alone is a hard path. The recent change in my writing reflects this comprehension and acceptance, which is pivotal.
Eyes Wide Open
I dare now to view the world again in all its glory. Living through despair and rising from the ruins of a former life proves life-altering.
Sunsets, sunrises, beaches, nature walks, travel, and even animals invading my habitat all signify my recognition of the vibrant color of the world, once again seen and appreciated, and a path for my stories to flourish.
I have called myself the 'wanderess' and can think of no better way to describe this change. I care to be constantly in motion and view the tiny, seemingly insignificant details with new eyes.
Personal History
Weaving together my childhood and ancestry with these external experiences has been the true gift at my advancing age.
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Recalling the formative years of my life in context with observations I make daily on walks is the guide. Travel may be only one iteration of my writing journey; however, it is a pervasive reminder that small moments matter in our lives.
I strive to bring readers glimpses of personal history because we need a historical perspective to understand where we come from and where we are going. And, boy, does my family have a history worth telling! I plan to deliver more of those stories over the next year.
Editing
I began editing in Sweet Publications this spring, and it has proven to be an expansive opportunity. A new 'family' of writers/editors entered my life in Long/Deep. Sweet. Valuable. Observing new writers find their voices and helping them put their best work forward has broadened my perspective and helped me find purpose in the wee hours of the morning or on the lonelier nights. When boosts happen, we are all cheered by the wins!
Making a Difference
Knowing me means acknowledging the devastation cancer played in emotionally crippling my family. Acute Myeloid Leukemia, ruthlessly and swiftly leaving nothing but devastation in its wake, took the husband and father we love. Instead of being endlessly angry and victimized, we decided to get even with this formidable foe.
My family builds awareness and raises money for cancer research, hoping to find cures for all forms of cancer yet unsolved. Far too many people struggle with cancer, and perhaps just one more hour spent volunteering or one more dollar raised will help. It comforts me in the dark hours that sometimes interrupt sleep.
A team of friends and family, all altered by cancer, joins us on this crusade, and we could not be more proud of our collective commitment. We ride and volunteer for those who have fought and those who can no longer fight.
Wanderings
Since December, I have traveled to many places, spending time in South Carolina, Florida, Italy, and Austria. I will soon revisit the beaches of North Carolina. Learning, experiencing, growing, and writing about it are new motivators for the time I have left on earth.
Life continues to surprise me. Writing inspires and fills my days with purpose; editing opens new portals to self-worth and value. I'm glad to have you along for the ride!
I look forward to reading your About Me stories.
I appreciate Martynas Justina SWEET.pub more than I can say for the opportunities provided to many writers like me. 🧡
“I learned this, at least, by my experiment; that if one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours..”
― Henry David Thoreau
My first About Me story:
