Enthusiasm

Just considering what I want has changed my outlook about the career search. It may not be a realistic hope to become a world traveler or published novelist next year, but I can make reasonable steps towards those ambitions. I must stop neglecting what I want out of life, otherwise I'll never get excited about looking for a job. Here are some potential goals and activities I might adopt in the next few weeks, or perhaps as part of my 6 Changes for 2011:

• use some of my career planning time after work to brainstorm, research and write queries for freelance articles
• establish a habit of sending fiction and poetry for publication
• start making afternoon drives or short weekend trips to new or unfamiliar places
• save money for a big trip (this will require some difficult budget revision)

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This afternoon I looked up a couple writers' organizations I would like to join. The Professional Writers' Association of Canada requires: "Associate Members must have published at least ONE non-fiction freelance article or major writing project of at least 300 words for pay within the past 12 months." To qualify for the Writers' Union of Canada, "you must have had a trade book published by a commercial or university press or the equivalent in another medium."

I found a website for one career counselor, and sent e-mails to several friends who might have ideas about local career development services. I'll continue to compile a list of resources on Monday afternoon.

Enthusiasm is slowly kicking in.

No doubt the dietary supplements are contributing. This is my third week on the new regimen. Since a week ago Monday my mood has been more stable, energy and concentration have been better, and joint pain in my legs, feet and shoulder have been negligible. I used the light box for a few days in September, but now I'm getting along fine without it.