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The daily struggle to be the best version of myself is a daunting task, significantly when the world intrudes with bills, expectations, and the bitter dregs of disappointment. I find that I’m able to fight the darkness and keep my shine by reminding myself to stay on the sunny side of the street. It sounds easy, but it’s far from that.
My name is Marlon S. Hayes, and I’m now a full-time creative. It was a long-term goal, but as with all other paths in life, it was not necessarily of my choosing. My company terminated me after twenty-five years of service, putting me in a dark space for a few days. I thought about the responsibilities of being a husband, father, and payer of bills, and to suddenly find myself unemployed by a business entity for the first time since I turned eighteen, which brought on anxiety I’d never before experienced.
I did not panic, even though it was close. I thought about all the things I wanted to do in this lifetime, then I prayed to God, and something new crept into my soul. As I began to figure out a new path to happiness and fulfillment, I started feeling excitement coursing through my soul. Uncharted waters ahead, but Faith in God and myself has made me embrace this new chapter.
Eleven years ago, I started my journey as a professional writer. It began as an experiment, just to see if I could do it. My first effort was a collage of poems and short stories, and I was proud of it. But, unlike my daydreams, it did not become an overnight success. I kept pushing forward, learning my craft, and honing other skills, never knowing they would all be necessary one day.
I admit there have been days when I wondered what would happen next or if I was kidding myself if I could make a career out of being a full-time creative. I reflected on the actualities of the last decade, and my confidence bloomed. My writing resume speaks for itself, as I’ve had novels, collections, magazine articles, and poems published independently and by traditional presses. I’ve been a speaker at a few events, and last year, I became an audiobook performer. I’m where I’m supposed to be, and I’m ready.
When the world hurls obstacles at us, quitting or taking cover would be easy, letting the darkness win. I do my best to encourage others to stay on the sunny side of the street and persevere against the events that might cause them to lose their shine. A female acquaintance of mine recently underwent a double mastectomy. When I asked how she was coping, she said, “I can wear halter tops now without anything popping out!” That’s finding a silver lining in a storm, and it’s the only way to deal with life’s curveballs.
The only person who can steal my shine is me. The world can continue to hurl obstacles at me, but my belief in God and my ability will keep my feet firmly on the sunny side of the street. Peace.
Marlon S. Hayes is an author from Chicago who released his latest book ‘Singing to Butterflies’ in May of 2024. His works are available online and he can be followed at marlonswritings.com.