Amber Starfire offered the following writing prompt today on her Women's Memoirs Blog: If you’re not feeling motivated to write, ask yourself, “What would my life be like if I was living the life of my dreams?” and write a description of a typical day. Then, write about one small step you can take toward living that life.
First of all I just want to come right out and say that I would love to be a Professional Genealogist in my dream life. And since I'm such a well-rounded individual who likes to partake in several activities at once, I would throw in writing and speaking into the mix (also I'm sure it might provide additional income as well).
I envision myself as having my own little niche inside North Carolina records specializing in historical documents that can be researched at the North Carolina State Archives. I also envision myself as having acute historical knowledge of the State and various cultural events including the people, places, school, and geography.
I would be well-organized (ha ha only in our dreams right!) and have each week planned out. I would work on research and reports for a minimum of two clients a week. I would write for historical and genealogy journals, attend conferences, and book speaking engagements.
I would keep up with technology and of course all of my genealogy cyber friends. I would assist, foster, and mentor new genealogy recruits and I would keep a daily log of how much time was spent on each process much like Randy Seaver does on his Geneaholic Blog.
On a personal note, I would hope that I have a loving and supportive partner that I would have some free time to spend with. Maybe make their lunches for them, or coffee in the mornings. Or a brief visit or surprise lunch date would be nice. Oh yeah and of course I would drag them to my conferences as well, so they would have to be a good travel companion.
What do you think? Am I on the right track or is it "Just a Dream?"
I love this post, Ginger! My retirement dream life is much like this! :D
ReplyDeleteYou're on the right track. Hang in there.
ReplyDeleteThis is a wonderful dream life, Ginger, and it isn't a "pie in the sky" one, either. I think that it is all within your reach, and North Carolina is one of those "genealogy heaven" places. Go for it!
ReplyDeleteGood post, Ginger. You can make this happen.
ReplyDeleteYou can do it! Specialize in Tennessee too, while you're at it. I need help in both states!!
ReplyDeleteSeriously- it's a perfectly wonderful plan, go for it!
Thanks everyone! Definitely something to aspire too and everyone has been great inspiration!
ReplyDeleteWow! That is a dream I would love to live too. You can do it. Lots of people live their dream life. You can too!
ReplyDeleteHi Michelle, thanks so much for the encouragement!
ReplyDeleteOh, I love this post, Ginger! My Mom was into genealogy, and when she died unexpectedly a few years ago, there was no one with the interest to carry on her research. Now and again I'll Google her name and read her posts on the various genealogy forums online, because I miss her so much.
ReplyDeleteAnd what a wonderful writing prompt! When I thought about my dream life, I realized I'm nowhere near it, and I'm not making much headway toward it, either. A lot to think about now!
Michelle for New England Multimedia
Twitter: @NEMultimedia
Thanks so much for reading Michelle! That's too bad no one stepped up to carry on your mom's genealogy work. It's never too late. And it's never to late to go after our dreams. Every little step towards our goals helps...Good luck and thanks so much for writing!
ReplyDeleteShe lived with my brother and sister-in-law, who are both big history buffs (he's now a history teacher, and she's getting her grad degree so she can teach, too!). They have access to all her work, so hopefully they'll pick it up at some point so her grandchildren will have it if they want it!
ReplyDeleteEvery year I make a plan for how to get to my dream life, and somewhere along the way I get derailed. Your post was a wakeup call!