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I love this post, maybe because it speaks to so much where I'm at in life right now. After a long career and raising kids, I did something similar and made a major life change to be more on track with my goals. I have to admit, being able to give this kind of thought to me, my life, is a luxury I can afford now as I near 50. There were seasons in life where that kind of focus wasn't as possible, and I'm grateful to be in this one now.

Your post, Crystal, along with Julie's comment, reminded me: There ARE different seasons for different things, and when what we're doing no longer brings us joy, we have to do some "spring cleaning" and get rid of the clutter. If we beat ourselves up because our kids are small and take up too many of our waking hours, rendering us too exhausted to write as much as we'd like, we need to forgive ourselves...and know that for every thing, there is a season...

There is a whole lot of wisdom packed in this post! It is so easy to slowly slip off "the path" and we do not even notice what is taking up our time and life. Good for you to reassess before it is too late.
Susie

I also love this post, Crystal, but I'm wondering if we really have to have a short glass of wine or a tall glass of water. I'm thinking a tall glass of wine. . .:)

Julie,
I am beaming as I read your post. I'm glad you've created the life you deserve!
-Crystal

Sioux,
I love your spring cleaning reference! Here in Wisconsin it rings true on multiple levels. Thank you for your comments :)
-Crystal

Thank you Susie! Glad you enjoyed the post and comments!
-Crystal

Margo,
My mother is my biggest fan, so trust me ... there was definitely an edit and lots of thought that went into choosing a short glass of wine, but feel free to refill often (wink wink)
-Crystal

My goal is to get to know myself well enough to move forward with the things I really love. So what does one do when they've taken all those distractions out of their life, leaving only a list of necessities (like cooking, cleaning, in my case fundraising, etc.) and the goal is still out of reach?

Anne,
That's a great question. Start small (maybe just a few minutes each week) then slowly increase the time. Like weightless or any goal, make sure it's: specific, attainable, and measurable!
-Crystal

Hi Crystal,

Your post really has touched on the reassessment I have done in my life just recently. When I graduated from college in September my focus was on getting a job in my field and start making a decent income that would help support my family. Instead I ended up with a job in my field that had me working long, draining hours in a toxic work environment that took me away from what is the most precious thing in my life, my daughter and husband. Your words "ensuring that I haven't lost focus of what is most important" and "deciding to eliminate the distractions" is exactly what I did. After having a job offer presented to me twice in 6 months, I knew that the good Lord was telling me "this is where you are supposed to be". I reassessed my life and focused on the most important thing and decided to leave the organization I thought I would retire from and chose to pursue a rewarding career that would allow me to still work in my field and have quality time with my family and friends. Your blog is truly inspiring and it reminds us that life is too short to not focus on what is most important. God Bless!

Thank you & congratulations to you Shannon!

When people talk about goals, they often mention career goals and financial goals. Your post really highlights the fact that goals are for every part of our lives. If we only focus on the career and financial goals, we can end up leading very unfulfilling lives. While there are times we need to do things that aren't all that fun, we shouldn't be doing them if there isn't a purpose to them and they don't help us toward our goals of living fulfilling lives.

Well said Bugmom!!!

I think so many of us become so busy doing what we have always done, because we have always done it, as you described. I like your strategy to "relax and assess." A great reminder, thanks.

What a gorgeous photo that is! Makes me want to go for a nice long hike.

Everyone needs an Alexia in their life - someone who has an enthusiastic attitude, is willing to learn, help and is so darn cute all at the same time! You are both lucky women indeed. MERRY CHRISTMAS, KATHY AND ALEXIA!!

As you know, Becky, the holidays are so much more inspiring when you celebrate with kids. Alexia and I are making a gingerbread house next weekend. And we're caroling! She's raising the bar for this old Grinchette, to be sure.

Merry Christmas to you my dear pal!

Ah, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz...my not-so-secret obsession! *drool*

Hope those interested come by to weigh in. (Betsy, you too!) I've responded to John's comment with one of my own. The specific post is at:
http://medinger.wordpress.com/2007/05/25/another-day-another-list/

You know, I'd give the 2000's to Harry Potter - even though the first book came out in 1997, because the book didn't get the chance to shape much of the 1990's.

Then I'd give the 1990's to Junie B. Jones/Magic Tree House which I think shaped the way series were used and marketed.

I don't know . . . If I were going to choose a book to represent the '60s, I'd have to go with either Where the Wild Things Are (1963) or Harriet the Spy (1964).

That's right -- Sendak's anarchistic monsters came out the same year Kennedy was assasinated, and seems almost like a harbinger of an era when American society was on the verge losing its collective mind.

Meanwhile, Fitzhugh's novel was the first to portray chidhood not as a special, magical time, but as one of deep unfairness, when parents sometimes drink and put their kids in therapy.

Progressivism, counterculture, postmodern alienation, and a bit of psychedalia -- what else can you ask for from the 1960s?

For the 80s, I'd go with Berenstain Bears.

Well certainly Harriet and Wild Things were indicative of the social climate of the 60s, sure. But if we're talking about kidlit trends and significant moments, there's no contesting The Snowy Day. I mean, it may not look very 60s, but it redefined the entire industry, broke barriers, etc. etc.

"Pigeon sort of defines how it is that we're selling books to kids these days."

Wish you'd take some time to expound on this a bit. What exactly do you mean by it? Put it in a new post--I think it's an important enough question to warrant a full posting!

dP

I agree that the Harry Potter books should be more 2000s.
And not to take away from Fables, but the Choose Your Own Adventure books really did a lot for the 80s.

I agree, I'm not sure about the 80s choice, especially since I was still a child in the (early/mid) 80s and seeing the title just made me go "huh?" Jenny's suggestion is a good one. When I think about it, though, I guess a lot of the books I read as a child were published earlier...Ramona Quimby comes to mind, as does Superfudge...