And it feels excellent. I know it is a strong piece, perhaps my best writing to date. Though this past year has had some particularly devastating moments, I suddenly find myself less afraid. I guess when your world has been upended, it makes you take stock. And I have realized that to get the things I want, I must, first, work harder for them.  Second, I must be willing to take more risks. The risk here, being the obvious, rejection. But one rejection is not the end, not for me.