I began the month with a post called 11 reasons. So, for pure speculation, here are my guaranteed accurate predictions for the next 11 months, until I participate in the Slice of Life Challenge (regularly) again:
- I will continue to struggle with my life / work balance, even during the summer. Making this tolerable for me and my family will be a factor in finding joy.
- My dog will continue to inspire stories of all kinds – fiction, frustration, and life lessons. It’s worth it, and it will get better and better.
- I will continue to miss my mother, at key moments, random moments, and life anniversaries. Friends and family will help hold me up and pull me through, and I will be grateful.
- Travel and trying new things will take hold of my spirit maybe more than ever. The world is too big and the time too limited for us not to make the most of it!
- Being with my son and stepson will push me as a father into new levels, and hopefully help them see me as a confidant and support… and occasionally even a fun guy! (insert dad joke about mushrooms!!)
- Inspiration – I will seek it in usual ways (movies, books, podcasts) and more abstract ways (sitting in a museum or garden or lecture comes to mind). Hopefully those moments will turn into action more than just abstract emotions.
- More collaboration and bridge building with colleagues and less silo-ing and sitting quiet.
- Speaking of inspiration – I have been in a season of waning faith. Time to push through and rebuild some spiritual habits and connections again.
- Beyond spiritual health, it’s becoming more clear that we need to make other healthy habits in the exercise and diet department if we want to celebrate into our 50s instead of roll down the hill!!
- Learning to live with quiet – the empty nest stage will begin soon after both boys are out of the house at college, and all of those frustrations with noise and appetite will be elsewhere. Will we find joy in the sound of silence?
- Learning to embrace being a writer – this should be clear to me after two years of Marches. Now, instead of looking back, I should write on! Seize the story! Carpe Fabula!
Thanks for reading!
Dream Out Loud!!
Dustin
