The future freaks me out

It's obviously difficult for me to think about the future without thinking about Motion City Soundtrack. Didn't see that one coming, did you? ;) But really, is there a more aptly-named song than the future freaks me out? A friend burned me their CD in high school and gave it to me on the school bus (thanks Jenn!) and the song always makes me conclude that the more things change, the more they stay the same.

This month, The B-Bar asked these questions for their monthly link up:

What are you doing (now) to prepare for your future?

What do you think you should start doing to create a better future for yourself?

Right now, I'm focusing on two big areas of my future: writing and wellness.

Recently, I've written a lot more than I had in the past (not just this blog, I've finished a fiction manuscript and began another). I've also written a lot in this book: 642 Things to Write About. Yes, those in-the-book-writings are just pen-to-paper, and aren't published or even shared anywhere, but it's been a great way to leave writer's block in the dust. I've attended two incredibly educational writing conferences and pitched my book to four agents. I'm eagerly waiting to hear back!

Wellness-wise, I've been really trying to prioritize yoga and mediation. In general, I've been working on feeling more calm, and being more compassionate. I'm trying to use my 20's to build my "eulogy qualities" just as much as my "resume qualities." Now, it hasn't been an overnight transformation, by any means (I'm no Mother Teresa), but I'm trying. Taking small steps towards being a more compassionate person each day is important to me.

As far as question 2—I don't have all the answers, but I think it starts with continuing to show up for, and connect with, other people. Continuing to work hard at writing, and, perhaps most importantly, being open to change and vulnerable with others. Putting myself out there, whole-heartedly, without regret. Yes, those are all a little general and not very concrete, but I think that's okay. I've never been big on life plans, but I never regret time spent connecting with and learning from other people. This book has provided key insight on redefining success for me as well.

Another future goal: spend more quality time with my cat. Duh.

I'm going end this post with perhaps an overused quote, but one that resonates with me:

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." —Mark Twain

Now, make sure you pop on over to read everyone else's posts! I'm sure they'll be chock-full of Wednesday inspiration to make for a less-than-freaky future. And you might even find some awesome blogs you'll want to follow! xx

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