The Write Dose: Turning My Passion into Purpose

​
Hello everyone! It's actually my pleasure to write in this community and share to you my journey on how my passion turned into my life's purpose. Writing here for the very first time is actually a mixed emotion, as it is somehow exciting and overwhelming, but also gives me a bit of nerve. However, I want to proudly introduce myself here in this active community.

My name is Mary Lorraine Manalang, a licensed Pharmacist in the Philippines. I am a mother of two and a fur mom as well. When pandemic strikes way back in 2020, everyone's life turned upside down. It is also then, when the world showed other plans of life for me.

Before COVID-19, my life revolved on an 8-5 office routine. Juggling my everyday life for being a mom, wife, and a full-time employee. Most of my days were well-spent to fill-up prescriptions, patient counselling, and long commutes. Until, all of a sudden, the world was shocked by a total lock down. It was the time when the whole world slowed down. So, being inside the house 24/7 with my family and loved ones was actually a blessing for me because I was able to spend time with them. It also opened an opportunity for me to ask myself: "What else do I love myself doing"?.

That was the time when writing came back to me like a long-lost friend. During those times, writing became my therapeutic outlet which suddenly became a business pursuit. I started writing personal stories, at first, health-related articles, and parenting journeys. In every stroke of the pen or every click on the keyboard, as words came from my mind, penning articles found purpose in each word.

And what hits me the most is: it clicked! Yes, people were reading and I was connecting with them. It was then that I really felt alive!

Another good thing that writing gives me is the balance between this passion and motherhood. Although rewarding yet challenging, I found flexibility to be with my family while pursuing my writing career. Every day is an inspiration to create a new story, a failure to learn new lessons, and a window of opportunity to grow.

As I join here, I am very much eager to connect with you all. I am excited to share my insights and work on projects that reflect our shared experiences.

Stories really matter and I believe that each of us has her own story to tell. Each voice within us needs to be heard, especially those who are struggling with their career, families, and dreams. If you are those who think that it's too late to jump into a new chapter of your life, well, I may say: you’re not. You are just on track. You are perfectly on time!

So, I am inviting you to start this journey with me! And, hand-and-hand, let’s inspire, heal, and empower by sharing our different kinds of stories.

NOTE: Lead photo was edited using Canva.