Friday, December 31, 2021 (Day 364) – THE LAST DAY!!!
Relaxing Music for the week: Breathe: Liquid Mind (11:44) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdVTNzg6RuE
Question: What would you like your theme for this next year to be?
Answer: This is the last post of my “The Year of You: 365 Journal Writing Prompts for Creative Self-Discovery” Journaling Project! Thank you Hannah Braime for coming into my life at the right time for me to take on such a great reflective activity! I don’t know where I missed one, but that’s okay.
As I reflect on 2021 and especially my post from yesterday, I think my theme for 2022 will be “transition.” There’s the STRONG possibility that I will be transitioning out of my role at UNCG, a potential transition in how I/we engage in Life Design Catalyst work, a transition (or a recommitment) to my marriage with Rebecca, and the transition from my 50’s to 60’s (and what that’s going to look like on so many different levels). Yes, transition seems like to most appropriate word for my theme for 2022. And I need to make a recommitment to becoming the best Bill I can be, which includes my continued obsession with workouts, my commitments to reading and meditation, and strengthening my relationships with the wonderful people in my life. Reading and meditation have always been my “rocks” to get me through the toughest times; I believe I will need to integrate them into my life now more than ever! I know some people wonder what they would do if they ever retired; I think back to this week, on “vacation” for the Holiday Break, and I’ve been crazy busy. I finished one book and almost done with another, I’ve had meetings – both in person and online – with great friends, I’ve learned a great deal about what retirement is going to look like (at least from a financial perspective), and I still had a chance to work out and play golf. I think I’m ready for this transition period in my life. As I think about this transition, I think about the graphic we use in Life Design Catalyst work with regards to transition and transformation:
I’m actually writing this from my office now. Decided today would be a great day to start the transition process – but getting rid of stuff in my office. I don’t know if my friend and colleague Megan is reading this, but I started by getting rid of over 1,000 posters that students had created over the years – and have narrowed down to keep about 50 that I really liked. I also got rid of old worksheets, notes, and other white-paper items to start clearing out the clutter. After I finish this note, I’m going to get rid of a few books – not in the dumpster, but in a spot in the hallway in our building where people can pick up free books. I’ll just add mine to the pile. I also have a few things that I’m going to take home, to start that process of keeping only the bare minimums to function. To know that I will be done with UNCG in a year or less is very refreshing, especially when I imagine it will be less because of the 120 days of sick leave and 30 days of vacation time I have accumulated. And my brain is already racing towards the next chapter, which involved Life Design Catalyst work in a greater capacity.
Although 2021 was definitely a challenging year personally and professionally, I can’t wait to take on 2022! Now I get to practice what I preach, right?
I wish you all the best for a great 2022!
The Dream Dean 