Storey Time Vision

Today I begin my November blog writing adventure - my version of NaNoWriMo. I'm going to blog my thoughts about my vision for my ideal future as I feel my way forward. My vision has crystalized and become more meaningful for me over the past few years, and today I'm feeling more urgency to commit and make progress in all aspects. "I am a healthy, financially-independent writer, doing meaningful work and making a positive difference in the world, living in Texas and Maine." What does this look like, sound like, and feel like to me? What will this vision mean to me? How will I know I've gotten there? How close am I right now? Which area needs my attention today? What's my next step? What combination of thoughts and actions are needed in order to make progress? My blog this month will allow me to explore these questions as I look at the different aspects of my vision. Taken individually, they are separate and distinct parts. However, taken together they create a multi-faceted and vibrant real life for me.

Relief

How do you spell relief? For me, making a decision and declaring it did the trick. Today I made a significant career decision to relieve stress and increase comfort on the job. I've vacillated about this for weeks, and that's added to my stress. So, now the die is cast and I'll go through the steps to transition back to my comfort zone. Am I taking the easy way out? Some would say so. But, this isn't really easy, it's just the right decision for me. I'm waiting for my peace of mind to return. The edgy, jittery, nervous me that I've become will gradually recede and I'll start to enjoy work and life again. I'm ready! What will I do with my renewed energy and free time? I'm committed to pursuing a writing project which will provide me with satisfaction as well as income. I'll take the next few weeks to research and study, to choose the project that is right for me. I know that I really prefer working alone, and writing certainly fits that criteria. Bless my decision and my time. May I make the best use of this second chance.

Crisis

What is crisis? Is it the end of something? Is it the opportunity for something new? It's a choice point. It's a time for self-reflection and growth as transitions are made. I've been in crisis the past few weeks, trying to feel my way in my career. I've taken on more responsibilities, and I'm not entirely comfortable with my new role. Is it really for me? Is it what I'm supposed to be doing? So many questions, so many thoughts, so much stress in the indecision. My goal now is to resolve this crisis and move on to peace. How do I do that? What choices do I need to make? What commitments are needed for happiness? So many questions, so many thoughts, so much indecision. I'm the only one who knows what I need. I'm the only one who knows my truth. I'm the only one who can decide. It's up to me to either commit to where I am or to start the process for change. The time is now.

Storey Time

The name "Storey Time 60" is an apt name for this blog. My maiden name was Storey, and my daughter made me a wonderful plaque for my 60th birthday this year that says "Storey Time." Her creative play on words targeted both my name and my interest in writing. This year and this blog are about me, about who I am at my roots, unclouded by marriage, motherhood, career. Who am I? What do I still want to accomplish in my life? What do I want to do with my time? I choose the thoughts, words, and actions that make up my life. This blog is one choice, a way to rest on the page, to think about what interests me, what calls me, what comes next. This blog is for me.

Starting Today

Today I read a quote that reminded me that it was time to get started on my new blog. A year from now, you may wish you had started today. I don't want to let a another year go by without putting forth my best effort to create a blog that stretches me creatively and forces me to follow through. This is the third time I've started a blog, and each time I have planned to write consistently. The first two times I gradually stopped writing and let other things get in the way. How will this time be different? I do believe I can use my iPad when I travel and that will help. However, the key will be my commitment to myself and my writing. How much do I want it? What am I willing to give up? How much am I willing to share? When will be my best time to write? This first post is in the evening, but I could just as easily write before work. So, I can experiment with times. The important thing is just to write. Writing this blog is a way of keeping a promise to myself. What better time to do it than in my sixtieth year?