Preparing for the Next Act

by Crystal Swearingen

As I pause and reflect, right on the brink of this new chapter in my life, I can’t help but think about all those times I tripped and thought, “Well, that’s it. Game over.”

Let’s take a trip down memory lane, shall we?

Remember that charming spot downtown? Yeah, I decided on a whim to open up Crystal’s Spot. Crazy, right? It wasn’t just a place to grab a bite, it was a place of stories, belly laughs, toe-tapping tunes, and the undeniable scent of mouth-watering desserts, fresh brews, and tantalizing cocktails. Now, the only real experience I had up to that point? Waiting tables. Many raised an eyebrow, thinking it was quite the lofty dream. And yes, it did take me off my real estate track, but oh, the happiness it brought!

And then...2020 happened. We had to close up, and suddenly those doubtful whispers grew louder. Did I make a huge mistake?

But life sure has its twists and turns. I mean, look at this! You’re reading my words in this magazine—which, let me tell you, wasn’t a smooth sail. From barely getting ads to the pandemic shutting our distribution channels, and me struggling with fancy design software (thank goodness for YouTube!), we faced it all. Yet, our mission, to celebrate the incredible stories of women, never took a backseat.

Now, fast forward to this summer.

The LA sun, the whirlwind of LA life—I gave it a shot. But even amid the glitz and glamor, I couldn’t shake off that small-town girl feeling, that nagging thought that maybe I wasn’t enough. That’s when it clicked. The real battle? It was with my own fears and self-doubt.

Here’s what I’ve realized: I’ve been way too polite with opportunities. Why gently knock when I can boldly burst through? The biggest hurdle? It’s always been my own uncertainty. But guess what? As I gear up for what’s next, they’re not tagging along!

Through this magazine, Crystal’s Corner, I want to reach out to all of you lovely souls who might be second-guessing yourselves. Remember, those hiccups, those pauses, those “failures”? They’re just brief pauses in your amazing story. As my pastor always says, “Don’t put a period where God’s put a comma.” Giving up is the only real failure. So, take it one step, one day at a time. Aim to make that tiny step towards your dream, every day.

Wherever you are in your story, remember it’s just the beginning of the epic tale waiting to unfold. Let’s write the next chapters together! Ready?