From Dreaming To Doing - A Reflection On Courage and Self-Discovery

How I Built a Writing Life on My Terms

Jul 25, 2025

Today I’m excited to share a guest post from my dear writing friend,

. I’ve always loved reading her stories, and when she recently mentioned in our community chat that she had left her day job, I wanted to know more.

How did she manage to write short stories and publish two books—while working and raising her children?

I’m so glad she agreed to share her journey. It’s an inspiring story of courage, creativity, and commitment—and I’m proud to feature it here.

So now, I’ll hand it over to Sal. Enjoy her story and let it spark something in you.

woman in red and black stripe shirt sitting on chair

The Beginning

In the quiet of the evenings, when my girls were finally tucked up in bed and school bags ready for the next day, I would sit down in front of our Dell PC and let my imagination run riot. Ideas were plentiful, and I loved the writing process, escaping into a different world, creating characters and plots across the screen.

As a single mum, time was limited and stress was plentiful. Full-time work was essential to survive and provide for my little family. At times, writing was my way of processing my emotions, my me time, my way of making sense of the world. Writing made me feel alive and less lonely.

For years, my writing was fitted in around my responsibilities as a mother, caregiver and career woman.

Recently, I was finally able to resign from my day job. This decision has sparked so many reflections on time management, energy and courage on taking steps towards a life more aligned with my values.

How I Managed Time and Energy

Committment

For years, I honestly didn’t have the mindset or the time. I was in survival mode, and creativity was very sporadic. But when I did write, something inside me stirred and kept the flame going, the dream to one day write a book.

In January 2017, I finally went all in.

How did I find the motivation?

A comment from my now grown-up daughters, ’Mum, stop talking about it, just do it!’ They were so right. I just needed to do it.

This led to me immersing myself in the writing industry, joining a local writers’ group and starting a romance story. I absorbed from others and listened to published authors speak about their journeys.

The first draft was completed at the end of 2017, largely fueled by my determination during NaNoWriMo, a global challenge to write 50,000 words in just one month.

Knowing it would be tough to juggle a full-time job, I stayed committed and used a spreadsheet to keep myself accountable, setting daily word goals.

Despite long evenings after work, I stuck to my routine, and when I fell behind, I pushed even harder on the weekends to catch up. It was an intense, head-down, do-or-die effort for 30 days.

No social distractions, just pure focus and unwavering determination. That relentless dedication paid off, and I proudly finished my first draft.

More importantly, it taught me, I could do anything if I set my mind to it. Writing consistently is about setting boundaries and blocking time out for it.

I won’t pretend I always managed this. There were times when life and work demanded more, and writing took a back seat, sometimes for weeks and even months. I would be too tired, drained and not creatively inspired.

But always, that little voice kept calling me back. ‘Just do it!’

Commitment kept me on track, and I finally realised my dream to publish a book. In 2024, I launched Secrets In The Lakes, and I couldn’t be prouder of my little debut novel.

Improving Skill Base

When COVID hit and we were sent home to work, something shifted in me again. I was reminded of how much I enjoyed not having to commute and clock in to someone else’s dream, and the desire to start my own freelance writing business re-emerged.

The desire to learn has always been with me.

Since university in my 20s, I have studied accounting, massage therapy, Reiki and Fitness, as well as numerous courses through work.

During COVID, with WFH and minimal socialising, I again returned to study. I enrolled with Freelance University and gained several digital skills that I have added to my portfolio for my freelance business.

Acquiring new skills enhances your writing and makes managing your business easier.

Staying Healthy & Inspired

Amidst a period of heightened global and personal stress, I knew maintaining my health was essential to not only survive the stress but also find the energy to work, study and pursue my dream.

With gyms closed, I turned to daily yoga at home following Boho Beautiful Life online sessions, and often took myself on nature walks to clear my head.

To write and build my business, I knew I needed energy, and a healthy lifestyle would provide that.

This belief has always been at the core of my passion.

I still maintain a daily yoga practice, and a walk along the ocean often inspires new ideas. Plus, the added benefit of the rush of ‘feel good’ dopamine helps me face life’s challenges.

Mental and physical health are essential for my creativity and for having the energy to run my business.

My Mindset Through It All

The uncertainty of the world and the realisation that we can’t predict what’s around the corner made it vital to me to be in control of my destiny.

With family scattered around the globe, I yearned for a work life that allowed me to earn an income from anywhere.

It became my focus and my motivation to learn new skills and to gradually build a business I could run from anywhere in the world.

It hasn’t always been easy.

The isolation caused by COVID initially made connecting with like-minded freelancers challenging. Facebook groups and Zoom became the lifeline, but it often meant struggling in front of the screen myself, especially with the technical part, such as learning WordPress. Though I didn’t become an expert overnight, my stubbornness and determination kept me going, and I set up my website.

There have been many times I doubted whether it was all worth it. Especially when pitches vanished into the void and negative self-talk got louder.

‘You’re dreaming, girl. Give it up!’ that voice would say.

In those moments, I remind myself of my big WHY.

The reason I do this from my heart, aligned with my values.

My dream is to be able to make an income from anywhere my loved ones are, whether that’s Europe, the US or Australia. To be free to travel and still write and to serve my clients - that’s the purpose that keeps me moving forward.

Understanding your heart’s WHY drives you forward towards your dream.

Why I Finally Left My Day Job

Wednesday, 2^nd July 2025, was my last day at work.

It was my choice.

I had planned to work till my 10th anniversary, but in early 2025, I felt increasingly frustrated with my life and work in Sydney.

I had reduced my work to three days, hoping the extra space would free up more time for writing and freelancing. But I realised how misaligned my job was with my soul, and it started to affect me emotionally and mentally.

I felt like ‘the cranky old woman’ inside, pretending to be okay while feeling more disconnected than ever.

Then in April, I watched a YouTube clip by a woman travelling in her van.

It appealed to my adventurous side, but what hit me was her words,

‘I’m in my 70s and my big regret in life is not retiring from my job at 67. I’m still healthy, but every year I am aging a little more and no longer able to do what I could the year before.’

Her honesty made me reflect.

That weekend, I knew I didn’t want to look back at my life with regret.

The following Monday, I resigned.

Lifting that heavy weight off my shoulders confirmed it was the right decision.

Now, a few weeks since leaving my day job, my certainty has grown. Despite some anxiety about the future, I feel content, excited and ready to embrace the unknown.

So What’s Next?

First a house move, then a long, restful holiday!

It’s a clean slate.

I will return to Denmark to visit family and old friends.

I’m so thrilled about this and can’t wait to hug my brother and sister.

As a freelancer, I plan to continue my writing and my freelance work, in between family gatherings over delicious food, nature hikes, and exploring new places.

My current novel, set in Denmark, will hopefully benefit from local inspiration, and I aim to finish the first draft there.

I’ll also work on a baking cookbook collaboration organised by

Janene Morgan

, which features Australian authors.

This is such a lovely concept, and I’m thrilled to be part of it.

One of the recipes I’ll contribute will be a Danish Xmas cookie, and I plan to steal my sister’s kitchen while in Denmark to perfect them and get some good photos before sharing with the world.

Once back in Australia, I have an exciting interview with a well-known Australian author scheduled at the local library for late October. I am deeply honoured and can’t wait to share more about this experience soon.

And last but not least, in August, I will be launching my weekly short stories here on Substack with your word prompts. This project is going to be so much fun, and I cannot wait for us to collaborate. Paid subscribers will have access to some special offers. Stay tuned for the first instalment in August.

Additionally, I will focus on building my freelance business by networking, updating my LinkedIn and sourcing new gigs.

I am excited about setting up new systems and a calendar for regular writing and posting.

My aim is to develop a business that can run itself even when I decide to take time off.

With no day job, my routine will change, and my writing will no longer need to be done in the cracks of time.

Reflections

It has taken me a long time to arrive at where I am today.

To find my voice and choose to live my dream.

Throughout most of my life, I have maintained a side hustle of some sort to complement my income and to keep the dream alive.

This timing was just as much about financial security.

Trust me, I’m not about living in excess, but I needed to be mentally prepared and confident enough to take this step.

It’s been a journey of discovering who I truly am.

To fully understand myself - to know what makes my heart sing, what drives me in life, and to find my voice to eliminate what no longer serves me.

I have finally learnt to trust myself, to listen to the calling and to follow it.

Reaching this stage is an empowering and joyful experience. I encourage everyone, regardless of age or stage in life, to take the time out to find what truly makes you come alive.

We only have one life, so live it your way.

“Your passion is waiting for your courage to catch up.” — Isabelle Lafleche

Go find your courage!

I’d love to hear what your dream is, what truly makes you come alive?