Ever since I wrote the post “A Question of Settling,” back in October 2016, I’ve been thinking about how I wanted the next phase of my life to look. I had intended to focus on this question over the holidays, but then my daughter and I got horribly sick and I couldn’t muster the energy. Then we stayed sick—or at least I did. Only now, in the weeks following my birthday, am I finally returning to the question. For me, the year 2017 begins in April.
As I wrote earlier, recently it feels that Katie and I have turned a corner, crossed some invisible line. Partly this is due to her placement at Open Mind School and partly due to our use of the Rapid Prompting Method. It’s also due to Melissa, Katie’s wonderful tutor/companion, who not only teaches Katie, but also facilitates communication and social skills with the help of her two adorable daughters. It’s due to other factors as well, but my point here is that with Katie’s basic educational needs met at last, I can finally focus on what I need.
So what do I want in my life?
- Publishing my poetry chapbook, Across An Aqueous Moon: Travels in Autism, fulfilled a lifelong dream, but now I find myself itching to complete my memoir. I want to focus on that as my next writing goal.
- Nate and I have been toying with the idea of starting a small press. I want to create a book of essays culled from my blog. This is the perfect opportunity to try our hand at self-publishing and see what happens.
- I want to rethink my career path. Clearly the law firm is not going to happen—at least not in 2017. I don’t know why I’m resisting this idea, but I am. Big time. But if not a law firm, then what? I need to answer this question and it’s going to take some serious soul searching.
I’m still searching for a man who will be my partner, lover, friend, and equal. I know he’s out there. I need to not give up on this dream—even though at times it has begun to feel hopeless.- I want to set Katie’s big, beautiful brain free so she can share her voice and thoughts with the world, in whatever form that takes.
- I want a home and yard that are calm, serene, and clutter-free. This has been an elusive goal since my divorce, but I’m sticking with it.
- I want to practice effortless self-care in all its forms: healthy diet, yoga, alanon, daily walk with dog, tai chi, meditation, etc.
- I want to have financial security and serenity.
- I want to travel the globe.
- I want to have more fun and adventure in my life.
- Most importantly, I want to make a difference and leave the world a better place.
So that’s what I want. Or at least that’s what I want today, in the Spring of 2017. If I know one thing, it’s that things can change on a dime, particularly in my unplanned life.
What do you want to see (or see more of) in your life?
Until next time,
Cynthia
