Mind+Body Soul'U'tions

I remember it like it was yesterday.  The day was May 19^th when I received the phone call. “Hello, Sherize? It’s Hong. I have some good news and some bad news,” was the words coming from the other end of the phone. Now I could feel the drama brewing as the adrenaline sped the pace of my heart. “Brace yourself,” I thought, because I knew, that this woman was incapable of delivering good news. “Hong Kong has your reports and agrees with you. So, for the next 6 weeks, everything is on a freeze and under review. So, I need all passwords for the blogs and analytics and anything else related to these accounts. We are halting all efforts. You will not receive a paycheck until further notice.”

My heart dropped. “What about the two weeks I’ve worked up until today,” I asked. “Where’s my pay for those days I worked?” Not only did I not received my pay for those days, but then the lock-out of accounts that I’ve worked on tirelessly, since August 2009; and let’s not forget that the 6 week layoff turned into eternity because I have yet to hear from Ms. Cheng, even up to this day. My position at Horizon Life Sciences, Inc. was that of Social Media PR Specialist. My duties included all aspects of Public Relations-to-SEO/Marketing, even design and advertising for a vertically integrate TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) company. But I cannot totally say negative things about. Yes, the manor and demeanor in which I was let go was horrid and heartless on their behalf, but the experiences I’ve acquired while it lasted, taught me a lot.  It completely changed my lifestyle. It made me health and wellness conscious.

But since that day, it has been an endless struggle to make ends meet. In fact, it has put a strain on my personal and love life as well. Since that day, I’ve decided to invest more time into me. I embarked on a passion that I suppressed for years; since my childhood to be exact. I’ve always enjoyed writing, but focused more on PR and Marketing because it encompassed all of my unique talents.  However, writing was and always be my heart. I went ahead and created Media Maven, my blog, in which I educate, empower and entertain my readers in aspects of living a healthy, active lifestyle to unleash the natural bliss within.

While launching this blog, I felt sick and when I went to the doctor, I learned that I was pregnant. Now, I am already a striving single mom of two teenage girls. My partner, who at first was happy with the news, seemed to grow unhappy as the days turned to weeks, which turned to months. I was diagnosed with hyperemesis – or excessive morning sickness, which lasted for 5 months of my pregnancy. During this time, not only was I alone in the frequent hospital visits, but I also underwent surgery for an appendicitis. I was also demanded to move out of a home we shared for 5 years and to “go live in a shelter” and to “get out of his life.” Confused and dazed, I struggled to gain strength for my unborn son, as well as my two daughters. I had no money saved or any family to lean on. But my courage and patience allowed me enough dignity to keep pushing forward. I continued to search sites for blog and article writing mainly because I refused to get side tracked from my dreams once again. I was called worthless and all kinds of horrible things by a man I once loved and trusted, for 8 years. My girls were shocked and torn as the events unfolded, but still I smiled and kept strength to comfort them.

I apply and submit dozens of resumes and portfolio/writing clips daily, yet I guess there is so much competition out there, that I am engaged in a waiting game.  In the mean time, I accept assignments from Associated Content, Seed.com, and Demand Studios – anything I can get my hands on. I pray constantly and surround myself with positivity, as I await the arrival of my son and some form of response from my applications.

Things have since gotten quieter but my determination and aspirations are still soaring high. I’ve stopped hating myself and refuse to see myself through my ex-partner’s eyes.  I will not let go of my passions and instead began to embrace myself and my children unlike ever before. I know it gets hard and hectic, but this uphill battle has taught me not to give up; it’s not an option. I invest my free time into Media Maven, when I am not writing articles for assignment review and approval.  I also spend more time with my girls, as we prepare for the arrival of my baby.

As lonely as this road gets, I refuse to stop walking the path. I know that salvation waits at the end of my journey. The best part; in my 31 years on this earth, I never thought I would have experienced what I have been through the past 7 months, but everything happens for a reason. I’ve learnt that people are not always what they seem, but if you are to live life, you should live it to its fullest, according to how you want, not what others think you should. I have no regrets about decisions I’ve made which led to here; I only regret the lack of support I received from someone I once trusted.