When I was in college, it seemed I had forever ahead of me, and my goal to become a published author was just "sometime in the future." But the older I got, the faster time flew. I began setting goals by decades--still vague enough that I had an entire ten years to accomplish them. At 40, I decided to be published sometime in my 40s, and I achieved that goal. Then I set the goal for my first "solo" book to be in my 50s--I achieved that goal. I also found that I was not satisfied by simply achieving those vague goals. I needed to keep writing, but those "sometime in the next decade" goals were not specific enough.
These days as I am facing the reality of mortality during my father's fast decline, I am back to baby steps--specific goals set for a few days at a time, squeezing writing in as I can, but with the primary focus on making the most of the time left with my father. I am also bolstered by John's words about being brave and not simply being satisfied with what I've done in the past. Now I must push myself to take chances and try something new and different.
5 comments:
Edie, I agree that the urgency to give form to ideas grows stronger with age, intensifying further with the contemplation of mortality. It IS time to be brave, even if it is only in each little moment. What a balancing act this time at the end of your father's life.
I'm thinking of you, Edie. Hugs:)
John's words on being brave really struck a chord with me as well, Edie-- and the clarity of what is important that comes with age and facing mortality can guide goals to the necessary paths for their fruition-- I am sending you hugs too, Edie. Many of them.
Thank you Christy, Stephanie, and Lauren! Those hugs feel very good right now!
Edie, I can relate to your long-range goal setting, but as the decades pass I, too, feel like maybe smaller steps would help! Also, I wish you well during this somber time.
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