The future freaks me out

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

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


9 comments:

  1. I love that quote! I needed a little inspirational pick me up today, thank you ;)

    x. Morgan

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  2. Congratulations on pitching your book! That's a huge step in achieving your goals as well as putting yourself out there. Very inspiring!

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  3. Oh man! Congrats on the book, hope you hear back soon! I'd love to start meditating. I just feel like I need a good, calm space to do it.

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  4. Best of luck to you with getting your book picked up by an agent!

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  5. I like that you've chosen two things to focus on, future wise. Both are very important to you! And if those things are sound, they are a wonderful foundation for whatever else you'd like to tackle in life!
    xx
    Kira

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  6. I love the idea of resume qualities and eulogy qualities -- such a great way to think about it!

    Always, Anita

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  7. I'm a firm believer that wellness (taking care of your body and mind) is a necessity in order to get where you want to go in the future. Congrats on pitching your book, that is so exciting!

    26 and Not Counting

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  8. Thanks for the bluntness, The future freaks me out too! I enjoyed post and I, too, need to spend more time with my cat :-)

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  9. You're such a goal crusher, lady!

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