Path chosen

[vaneramos]

I will explore and pursue a career as a naturalist writer and educator. It is what I want to do with my life: write creatively, have a vital relationship with the Earth, and communicate with others for positive change. Incidents of synchronicity over the past few days have affirmed this direction.

Actually I made this decision last night and woke up rolling in anxiety and excitement. It has been at the front of my mind all day: opportunities, possibilities, questions. It's unusual for me to be so focused. It feels like suddenly I am plugged in.

This particular choice is nothing new. Carol Lloyd's book, Creating a Life Worth Living, has brought me to similar realizations over the years, once in solitude, and once again after brainstorming sessions with my writing partner. Maybe I've declared it here before; I don't remember.

What has stopped me? Doubt, depression, lack of resolve, feeling overwhelmed, fear, financial obstacles.

This has to change. No more compromises, no more hesitation, no more doubts that this is the right course for me. It is time to stick with something, and there is nothing I would rather do.

So I'm declaring it now as part of my 6 Changes for 2010. There are more decision to make and goals to set. It's not going to happen quickly. From here it will be a long journey, but I'm excited about opening the door and starting the path.

Here's another consideration. Brock University offers an Adult Education program operating on a part-time basis: five courses, one at a time, three sessions per year. If my previous degree (1987) is still applicable, it could lead to a Bachelor of Education in Adult Education, and if not, a certificate in Adult Education. The courses can be completed online. Each one would cost up to $1,400 including course materials.

Comments

[liadra.livejournal.com]

I'm so happy for you, to have come to this hard and exciting decision. I have loved watching you go through this process. Makes me feel a little bit guilty for my own lack of gumption. Kudos!

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

I'd love to inspire something more constructive than guilt! ;)

[teddyb.livejournal.com]

Van, I'm really happy to hear that your process of exploration has led you to a path you are ready to pursue.

I think you will be successful in whatever career direction eventually becomes your favoured option, and I wish you all the best.

Congratulations!!

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Thank you. May your confidence be satisfied!

[teddyb.livejournal.com]

I have absolutely no doubt about it!

AS others have said before me, "I shall watch your career with interest". (I'm not sure if that makes me more like Chancellor Palpatine or Miss Dove.)

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Wow, I had to look up both those references. I might have remembered Palpatine, but my interest in the Star Wars series declined rapidly after the original 1977 film. Miss Dove was unfamiliar to me. I am a real pop culture naif, which is part of the reason I should write about nature.

[missprune.livejournal.com]

Bravo, Van! I will cheer you on from here.

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Thank you. I'll need it!

[changeling72.livejournal.com]

Go for it!

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Thanks, I'm on it!

[abendstille.livejournal.com]

great stuff! go you!

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Thanks Mia!

[niyabinghi.livejournal.com]

Congratulations! :D

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Thank you!

[jwg.livejournal.com]

This sounds great. I'd say that being a naturalist writer is perfect for you - with your writing style and eye for lovely things as well as photographic skills that should be right for you. Tying it into education should be a way to get a reliable income stream.

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

That's point about education is my thought exactly. If I could make a steady income on just writing, I would, and perhaps I can. But it might be best to diversify, for a number of reasons.

[artricia.livejournal.com]

That sounds like the perfect career, Van.

Fear is hard. I'm with you there.