Dreams of the Heart and Soul
I am a wife, mom, teacher, friend, daughter, sister, and writer. I add that last one hesitantly because it’s a goal that I’ve abandoned for a couple of decades now. But I want that to end. There is still a passion for writing inside of me, and I am beyond excited to bring it into a leading role in my life! It is still a part of my identity. What dream do you have simmering just below the surface? What have you always hoped that you would do someday, but then maybe let it go because it wasn’t convenient, secure, or reliable enough to support the lifestyle you desired? Something you may have been encouraged to do “on the side” but not as your main source of livelihood? It is important to nurture these dreams of the heart and soul to truly feel fulfilled.
The Life we Choose
Too often, we push ourselves into safer pathways to have a stable and predictable career to guarantee the kind of income we need to be successful and support a family. It makes sense and usually works out. We pursue a good education, work our way up in the profession, and have the home and possessions that we desire, as well as the extra activities, experiences, and travel opportunities for our children. While we don’t necessarily regret our decision, a small part of us whispers that we still have that dream. We still want more for ourselves, to live out our passion. Dreams of the heart and soul are calling us.
Dreams of the Heart and Soul: Is it too Late?
In my case, I am 47 years old, my children are in their teenage years. It is still busy driving them around to practices and social events, but there is ultimately a lot more free time with their increased independence. While moving out of my role as a traditional classroom teacher several years ago, and into a Special Education Resource role, I also have less take-home work in the form of marking and planning. This move was deliberate, in order to have more time to spend with my family, as well as to pursue a better work-life balance. Now that I’ve reached that place, I believe that I can make time for writing in my life, alongside my full-time job. Perhaps, I can even make it work full-time.
How Could You Make it Work?
What stage of life are you in right now? Could you make any moves within your career that would allow you some extra time to pursue your side gig? How can you carve out a few scheduled hours each week to devote time to that passion? If you still have young children, could you enlist the help of others with your children? A family member, babysitter, or friend to watch them just a few times a week? Revamping your family schedule with your partner? Could you wake up an hour earlier each day to devote time to this pursuit? Can you work on your goal while your child is at an activity? Could you spend less time scrolling social media and watching Netflix?
My Game Plan: Dreams of the Heart and Soul
I plan to start with just five hours a week, plan ideas, write posts for my blog, do research about blogging, and continue to look over previous pieces I have written to think about adapting them. This goal has to be foremost in your mind so that it is not constantly put on the back burner. How many hours could you fit in each week? Schedule that time in your calendar, and treat it like an appointment. It is equally important to a household task, or child’s activity, that we would never think of skipping out on. I will write two evenings a week for one hour, and for two hours on the weekend to get started. Check out my post on how to make time for your side hustle Ten Ways to Keep Realistic New Year’s Resolutions.
I need to get back into a groove and a routine. It is not going to be easy, but I know it will be worth it. I hope to inspire you with more tips and advice about personal growth, time management, parenting, and relationships. Follow along on my journey – a quest for balance, to grow and level up in all areas of my life!
