Hold on to Hope!
If you had to write the title of your autobiography, what would it be?
Mine would be, “She didn’t give up.”
(c) Arianna Merritt // @ariannaonthego
I texted a good friend of mine recently to tell her about my new career move. She said, “I knew it was just a matter of time. You didn’t give up.” I truly believe that with a supportive community and a growth mindset, you can achieve your dreams. Or, the path can lead to opportunities that far surpass your goals. Keep believing, my friends. Hold on to hope.
Let me tell you why. You see, this month has been a life-changing one for me. I got offered a new position working in content creation and blogging to help so many people. I haven’t talked about it. I’m still processing. I’m truly honoured and grateful. I reached a mountain that I am so excited about. I did it!!! In fact, we reached the mountain together.
Blogging isn’t about just me writing and creating a blog post. It’s about you reading, and you engaging. I write the posts and create the content to help us all. I see myself not as a megaphone telling you what to do, but as a friend facilitating conversations. You – my readers – are who helped me to achieve one of my personal mountains. I wanted to share this milestone with you so we can all celebrate together!
(c) Arianna Merritt // @ariannaonthego
Nine years ago, while on a beach walk, I got inspired to bring the Hawaiian sunshine and hope that I got to others and thought technology was the best outlet to share the message. So, I took the leap & started blogging. In 2010, I started this blog, with no followers or blogging experience. I was just a millennial who was about to graduate with a big dream to change the world.
At the time, though, technology wasn’t as prevalent as it is today, and I knew very few people who blogged. But, I showed up and tried. You showed up too. You shared your personal stories with me. You motivated me, and you are the reason I kept going.
What you might not know, though, is that this road has not been an easy one. I lacked belief in myself sometimes. I got criticized. I got doubted. But, I kept believing and putting one foot in front of the other. When you follow your passion and take risks, it doesn’t guarantee it will pay off; but it did. Today, we celebrate.
(c) Arianna Merritt // @ariannaonthego
With my new role, I will still be blogging and sharing on my Instagram (@ariannaonthego). I am a writer and photographer and need to keep them going as they fuel me as much as they fuel you.
This blog has been a space of hope, resilience, and community, for you and for me and will continue to be. Thank you for helping me to share my light with the world and helping others feel less alone.
This isn’t the end – this is only the beginning. Don’t give up. Each day is a new day to write the best story of your life!
See you on the blog!
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