I was invited to join this blog just a few days ago—and honestly, being invited was one of the highlights of my week. Considering I was also offered another three book contract around the same time, the fact that the invitation still ranks pretty high says something. Invitations seem to give us an added sense of value—we know that someone out there thinks highly enough of us that they want us to be somewhere they will be too.
Growing up, my family moved a lot so I was always the new kid in school. Between kindergarten and fifth grade alone I attended five different elementary schools. Because of that I grew up feeling as if I had to make people like me. Since I was always the new kid, I was perpetually morphing myself into the people around me in an attempt to fit in. I always wanted to be invited to be part of the group.
Looking back, my peers would probably tell you I was popular. But if you ask me, I will admit there have been very few times in my life where I actually felt like I “fit in.” There are only a handful of moments where I felt invited to be myself.
Honestly, sometimes I even feel that way in the writing world. My fifth book is due to hit shelves in June, and I have four more books releasing next year. But being only twenty-four sometimes I feel like I don’t fit in with my peers, who for the most part have “normal” nine to five jobs, and I don’t always fit in with other writers who are older and a lot more experienced than I am.
But the thing God has really been teaching me lately is that life is not about finding a place where you feel like you fit. It’s about choosing to be yourself wherever He has placed you. For me that is as a young author finding her voice in the publishing world and as the new kid (once again) on this blog. For you it could be any number of places. But wherever it is, do yourself a favor and enjoy that place as you seek to uncover the treasures God has for you there.
For more information about me you can check out my website www.shannonkubiak.com. But I am launching a new site in March, so this one isn’t really updated.
~Shannon Kubiak Primicerio
5 comments:
Welcome, Shannon! I visited your website, and I think I met you a couple of years ago at Mount Hermon. Maybe?
I look forward to reading your thoughts in the weeks and months ahead.
Jeanne
glad to have you, Shannon!
Welcome aboard! I'm looking forward to reading what you have to contribute!
Pam
Welcome Shannon!
I can so relate to feeling like the new kid - we lived in 5 different states and I went to 14 different schools by the time I hit 8th grade. I bet a lot of the teens know exactly what it feels like, too.
You'll fit in here quite nicely! And congrats on the contracts!
Welcome to 412! I am glad to have another writer join. I look forward to checking out your books. Also, I can really connect with your 'fitting in' problem. I know as Christians we're not supposed to worry about fitting in, but it can really feel awkward to be 'the new kid'. Have an awesome time with 412!
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