When faced with a hard decision, Arianna Huffington‘s mother advised her to “let it marinate,” so when work came to a standstill for me earlier this year, I decided to follow her advice and see where it takes me. At the end of the day, you think when you think even if you don’t know you’re thinking. And honestly, that’s probably the way it should be, because when you actually try to think about something, you end up worrying, and that’s the last thing you want to be doing when you’re trying to write the next chapter of your life.

Over the last three months, two things have become clear: First, I want to get more involved in triathlon, running and swimming. And it’s not, as was suggested to me, because my workouts are more important than making money, but rather that my workouts are just as important as making money. My workouts are calendared events that I plan around to the extent possible. Why wouldn’t I set aside time for something that brings me such joy?

Picture from the third race in the 2019 Charleston Sprint Triathlon Series at James Island County Park in Charleston, SC. Courtesy of Brian Fancher Photography

Second, I don’t want to work for translation agencies anymore if I can avoid it. There, I said it.

So, with that out of the way, I could finally focus on the work stuff.

After several years of inactivity, it was time get back on LinkedIn and learn how to use it. I rewrote my profile, joined a variety of groups ranging from manufacturing and project management to psychology, and stumbled upon LocLunch somewhere in the process. The first LocLunch I attended was virtual and run out of San Diego. I had an amazing time! I have since attended virtual LocLunches in Riga and Berlin and am looking forward to attending many more. I’ve met translators, interpreters, project managers, AI and MT sales reps, and marketing experts, all of whom bring different perspectives and experiences to the table. I dread the day these get-togethers will no longer be virtual. It’s so nice to join a group anywhere in the world without having to leave the house!

Last but not least came The Message Maestro, Bev Hepting. So far, it’s been an exciting ride! Two sessions with Bev and I cannot imagine her not being in my life anymore (perhaps that’s why I keep procrastinating). To me, she’s like one of the fairy Godmothers in Cinderella – not that I’m Cinderella by any means, it’s more that she’s preventing me from turning into a pumpkin.

It looks like the marinating is done. I have a good idea of what I want Cedilla to stand for and I know what I want my life to look like. Should you feel so inclined, feel free to accompany me on my journey and chime in whenever you feel the need.