Dwell By Cheryl Photobucket Portfolio Design Services Contact

"...All Things Work Together..."

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28 NIV

There's a popular gospel song by Donald Lawrence and the Tri-City Singers that says, "Sometimes you have to encourage yourself" and today (Wednesday) was definitely one of those days.  I actually thought long and hard about sharing this with you guys, but I realized that the only thing that would keep me from doing so is pride and I certainly don't want to be that person. 



Back in September I received an email from the Editor at Large of Bedrooms and Baths magazine, a bi-annual special interest publication of Romantic Homes.   It read....


Dear Cheryl,

We are currently producing a story on Current Trends to feature in our 2013 issue of Beckett Media's Bedrooms & Baths. I adore your work and would be interested to feature it in this article. This would entail an interview of questions and securing high resolution images. Does this interest you?

I look forward to hearing back from you. Thank you for your assistance!

Best

 
 
Honestly, I couldn't believe what I was reading.  I actually goggled the editor's name to make sure it was legit.  How exciting, I was going to be in a magazine!  That's a BIG deal for a new interior decorator.  Needless to say, I gave a resounding "YES!"  She outlined the needs and asked if I could please give 4 to 7 decorating tips on how I created this particular look  (A Soft Color Palette) in the room above.  She also informed me that her deadline was in two days. I scurried to pull it all together and sent it off.  She said it was perfect and we were all set.  All that was left to do was wait for the Spring 2013 issue. 

 
As you can imagine the waiting was excruciating.  Month after month went by and all I could think about was that Spring 2013 issue.  I almost shared the big news here earlier, but I decided to hold off just in case something fell through.


 
You may be surprised to find out that I have MAJOR insecurities about my design work.  I know, I know, it's crazy but it's true.  Just so you know, I am NOT an insecure person AT ALL so this is a very new feeling for me.  Not sure if it's my lack of formal training or if it's that I'm still honing my skill or if I just can't resist the temptation to compare my work to others.  Whatever the case, I'm not very confident in it. 
 
All month, I've been anticipating the release of the magazine, figuring that a Spring issue would come out this month.  I'd check the website everyday, then the app, but nothing.  So today I decided to just go and check at the store to see if it was there.  Lo and behold, it was.  And guess who WASN'T in it.  Yep.
 
 
Needless to say I was devastated.  I literally could've sat on the floor in Wal-Mart and pouted.  What a  bummer!  I was all set to make a big announcement on the blog, on Facebook, on Twitter, etc. 
  

via
 
After I collected myself, as I drove back to work I thought, "Wait a minute!":
 
  • I don't do this to be in magazines.  I do this because it's what I love to do.  If I NEVER get in a magazine I will love it no less. 
  • According to my followers, I inspire them to make the spaces they live in better-little by little and that's what matters.
  • I've only been doing this for 12 months.  Rome wasn't built in a day.  I have lots to learn and  lots of other opportunities will come along-maybe even better ones.
  • If I know I have a God-given gift to do this, why am I looking for the world's validation of that gift?
 
See, Donald was right, sometimes you have to encourage yourself.  Quite frankly, sometimes we can't see the forest for the trees.  I'm better now.  Still bummed, but better.  Really, I'm just honored that an Editor at Large contacted me anyway, even if I did get left on the cutting room floor.  Lol! 

Lastly, I figure if they're not going to use my content then I should so expect to see my (would've been) magazine article here soon.
 
Thanks for listening, have a GREAT weekend!
 
 


 


 

 
 
 
 

13 Comments - Click here to join the conversation!:

Tameka said... Reply To This Comment

Great perspective Cheryl. It takes a "big" person to admit your inner most feelings and the most important thing is you didn't let this deter you or reduce your passion for interior design. Soon, Southern Living or Martha Stewart will be knocking on your door anyway. :)

Dwell by Cheryl said... Reply To This Comment

Thanks Tameka! I'd settle for the Fall 2013 Issue of Bedrooms and Baths. : )

Anonymous said... Reply To This Comment

Cheryl, that was an honor-that editor noticed your work....you didnt pester her or approach her, she "noticed" you. Continue doing what you do an others will undoubtedly notice what all of us-your fans notice. God has given you this talent and nothing and no one can shut doors that He has and will open for you! I need to get my bedroom suite makeover on your Spring calendar. Call me please.
Markelia

Dwell by Cheryl said... Reply To This Comment

Thanks Markelia!

Mrs.Vicki said... Reply To This Comment

Hi Cheryl, Not only are you a great interior designer, you are a great writer and a great person. So humble. This blog almost brought me to tears. So keep on encouraging yourself and just know that I am one of your biggest fans. God Bless!

Dwell by Cheryl said... Reply To This Comment

Thanks so much Mrs. Vicki! I appreciate it.

Anonymous said... Reply To This Comment

So sorry to hear what happened Cheryl. Your work is fabulous and the world is beginning to take notice! It will happen again.
Margie

KIM said... Reply To This Comment

I love it no matter what or where. Keep of the GREAT work!! and I LOVE the song by Donald Lawrence.

Dwell by Cheryl said... Reply To This Comment

Thanks guys!

Nancy Ramdin said... Reply To This Comment

Cheryl, everyone has setbacks and disappointments. Winners are the people that handle them the way you did - with grace, perseverance, and faith. You have accomplished so much and I know your future will be just as brilliant and satisfying as the rooms you create.

Anonymous said... Reply To This Comment

Well, that would be a bummer; but it doesn't change the fact that you're a gifted decorator!!! I think the questions you asked yourself are perfect for leading you back into the confidence zone where you belong!! You do a wonderful job whether or not you're in a magazine!!!

Thank you for sharing the emotional side of this life event. We all deal with insecurity from time-to-time; and it can be so helpful to others when we see someone encouraging themselves constructively as you did!
-Sarah Strohm

Joy said... Reply To This Comment

I agree with what others have noted - great perspective Cheryl. No doubt your gift will continue to make room for itself - in ways you cannot imagine. In the meantime, know that what seems like a missed opportunity is really an opportunity for God to bless us with the unexpected. Continue to share and enjoy your passion!

Anonymous said... Reply To This Comment

Cheryl, I'm so sorry! I think you are very good! I can't believe you are coming up with all these ideas. It will come your way, I'm sure!

Love, Judy G

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...