It is exciting to begin a new year. Last year was quite an experience. I went into the year certain that I wanted to transition into government communications. Instead, by the end of the year I was yearning for daily creativity and to use my higher-level thinking.
I learned many, many valuable lessons in 2014. I learned more about my introverted style of thinking and working. Working in a big, open room was actually quite disastrous for me intellectually, although I managed it and completed my work. I came home most days exhausted from too much stimulation around me. I also lacked the necessary space to expansively think and create.
I also hated the very early mornings of commuting, being in an office (big room) at set hours with very little freedom in my workspace or style, and coming home at a later hour being so exhausted. I made good money being an office drone working in a cattle stall, but it is not life-giving work.
As I start this new year, my contract is actually ending on 31 January. Initially, I panicked and began to frantically pursue interviews at various (mostly government) organisations by October 2014. Now I realise that there’s no sense in rushing things along. I can’t force a door open that isn’t meant to be opened.
I am beginning to understand that things are progressing exactly as they need to be. Of course, I must put in the work and stay focused, set goals and pursue them. I am typically a very goal-oriented and internally competitive person. I lost direction for much of 2014 and sort of drifted along. That is fine in the short term as I reorient my direction and path in a new place. However, it certainly cannot be an indefinite mode, and it’s time to start reigning things in toward more direction as I continue to think expansively.
I’ve decided to finish out my contract, but in the meantime explore more opportunities in different ways than I envisioned. I definitely learned last year that I want to write a great deal in my career. This writing does not encompass reports: I wrote many, many reports for the government level last year and learned a great deal. However, those are not where my true gifts or calling lie.
What do I envision in 2015? A couple books, writing, getting my intellectual life back up and running, reading, music, good healthy food and exercise, outdoors, and being around folks who encourage me.
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