Monday, April 11, 2011

The Someday Shelf

I can't remember a time when I didn't want to write. Whether I was six years old writing a story about the old lady on the train who had purple hair... or forty-six years old writing about my interview the First Lady of the United States (who most certainly did NOT have purple hair) I've always found satisfaction committing my thoughts and experiences to the written word. And, that is why we meet today.

I spent nearly thirty years of my life as a television news reporter, writing practically every day about someone or something.  I love my new life as a speaker, corporate trainer, life coach and author. But, I often wake up at night with random stories, thoughts and ideas rolling around my head, waiting for a nice piece of journal paper (or laptop screen) to call home.

I need my sleep.

So, my writer's mind and I have made a deal. If it start this blog, and begin putting  those thoughts into print.... I can rest easy. And, maybe, just maybe, you'll find some words here to encourage, motivate and inspire you. I hope you find Words to Live By.

Today's topic: The Someday Shelf

I did something last week that I hadn't done for 32 years. I registered for college classes. Yep. I'm heading back to school to finish that degree I abandoned when the brass ring of TV News swung my way. You see, at the tender age of 20, I decided I couldn't possibly balance my brand new position as full time reporter with school. Breaking news waits for no algebra assignment. So, now, at the age of 52, I'll tackle a real balancing act: running a business, speaking at conferences, writing books, being a wife and mother...and school. Go figure. Time really does have a way of altering one's perspective on time management... and on what's important.

Earning my degree was always something I'd planned to do. Someday. It was one of those many goals to be attained, trips to be taken, letters to be written, games to be played, songs to be sung, people to meet, recipes to be cooked, sunsets to view... that I stacked away in that place in my mind and life I call The Someday Shelf.

Earlier this year, my youngest daughter enrolled in college. As I sat on campus one day during the registration process, I found myself staring at the entrance to the Admissions Office. Suddenly, like the glaring red "On Air" sign I'd faced all those years in the television news studio, the words "SOMEDAY IS NOW" began flashing through my mind. "SOMEDAY IS NOW!"

I tried to talk myself out of it. For about thirty seconds. Then, like a child jumping off the diving board into the deep end of the pool for the very first time, I held my breath, walked to the Admissions Counselor's door... and jumped.

I start classes in a few weeks. I'm looking forward to Literature, Psychology and Public Speaking (imagine that!) Math? Not so much. If all goes well, I should finish up in two semesters. Someday is within my reach.

Many friends who learned of this have sent words of encouragement my way in recent days. Please know, though, I am not wise, brave, or the other nice words they have ascribed to me. I'm simply at a point in life where I realize that, with apologies to Uncle Jed Clampett: "Time's a wastin'," and it's time for me to begin tackling those things I'd shelved for Someday.

Best of all, I've heard from friends who have now decided to dust off their own Someday Shelf. They are re-evaluating where they are in life, and what they want to do with the rest of it. Some are joining me in heading back to school. One is enrolling in art classes. Another is about to begin a weight loss program. Another will attempt to stop smoking.

What about you? Do you have a Someday Shelf'? It doesn't matter how old you are or how busy you are. It doesn't matter what's kept you from pursuing your dreams and goals in the past. That's just what it is: the past. Today is a new day. Why not decide today to take just one step to make just one dream happen? Then, take another step.. and another.. and another. Just one step at a time. You'll be glad you did, and if you want, I'll be there to encourage you.

Would love to hear your stories about your own Someday Shelf. In the meantime, I would appreciate your wishes and prayers for good luck and good grades because SOMEDAY IS NOW!

12 comments:

  1. ooo... How exciting! Starting a blog, starting college, starting writing. You'll do well, and trust me. I remember from my brief brush with TV news, it DOESN'T wait for algebra! LOL--good luck with everything~ :o) <3

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  2. Fortunately for me going back to school is NOT on my some day shelf. It seems to me that as we reach certain milestones we become more aware of the finite nature of time. Hopefully, we also learn to be a little kinder to ourselves and give ourselves the gift of chasing a dream. Good luck with yours.

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  3. Drex.. was finally able to figure out how to get set up on google. Your new site is absolutely terrific!!... it really is. You really have a talent for putting words on paper (screen!!) that we need to think about.
    I owe you an email which I sill send later today. Wonderful site...
    Ray

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  4. Congratulations both on the new blog and the resumed college career! I look forward to following your blog.

    Yep, there a few things on my "someday shelf," too and I've enjoyed pursuing some of them over the last couple of years. Every season of life offers us new adventures and days never lived before. Enjoy yours!

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  5. Congratulations!! I KNOW you will do well!

    You asked me if making jewelry had been on my “Someday Shelf”. It was! It had been for several years. I bought a pair of turquoise and coral earrings at a Bastille Day’s fair in Milwaukee, WI when I was working there once but I didn’t have a necklace to wear with them. I had purchased some turquoise and coral beads but they sat for years before doing anything about it. It took the death of my mother and then reading a book entitled The Artist’s Way. I read the book in hopes that it would help me with my depression I was dealing with while missing my mother. The book gave me “homework” of having an artistic date with myself each week. I decided that I was going to MAKE THAT NECKLACE….. FINALLY!!! I was hooked! It wasn’t long before I wanted more. I took a class in wire wrapping and then two more that year (2009). The following year in September, I took a beginning class in soldering. I discovered quickly that I LOVE melting! I love working with a torch!! It brings out the Tim Allen in me!  In October, I took a class in metal clay, and then another one and another one!! Then I took one in MELTING some of the pieces I wasn’t particularly tied to and pouring the molten silver over broom straw and rock salt and then cold water. OOH! OOH! OOH! Thursday and Friday of this week, I’m taking an advanced soldering class.
    I LOVE creating jewelry! I’ve made too much to wear it all. I’ve given several pieces away. I’ve sold a few. April 30th and May 1st, I have purchased a booth in my FRIST fair to sell some of my jewelry at the Folklife Festival in the small town in Texas where I grew up. Ironically, April 30th is the anniversary of my Mom’s death. I know she’ll be smiling down on me.

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  6. Leigh sent me over...nice to meet you!

    I need to go back and finish my degree too. I put it on hold last year so I could write, but I've been hearing its siren call again lately. I think you'll find you get a LOT more out of school now than you would have in your twenties.

    Good luck!

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  7. Good luck with going back to college. That's a big step!

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  8. My someday shelf holds novels, quit smoking, and a few other random things. I went back to school at 26yrs old, I'm currently working on my BA in English. You can do it if I can and I have two small children at home- just me and them- The experiences I have gained and people I have met through college is something I would have never found if I didn't jump in myself. Best of luck to you new friend!

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  9. Best of luck with school! I'd love to go back one day and get a degree. Life started early for me. ;)

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  10. I think you'll be a wonderful blog to follow. I can't wait to read your reflections.

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  11. Thank you so much to all of you who have offered words of encouragement. Please continue to check back. Remember, this is a work in progress... but so am I!

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  12. On my "someday shelf" was my adventure into the art world! At 48 I finally got up the nerve to show my art to someone besides family and I'm happy to say I was well received! Hope to see you at the 2011 Shrimp Festival!!!

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