During this holiday season, I have been quietly contemplating how I want to approach 2024.
I’ve been still.
I’ve been listening.
Our family entered into a crisis just before Thanksgiving that has consumed pretty much all of my attention and focus. That was directly on the heels of complete burnout. Now that the dust has seemed to settle some, I can think a little more clearly.
Some pretty repetitive things have come up for me.
While I am seeking to work remotely for a more steady, dependable income, I can’t walk completely away from coaching. Map for More in ‘24 is going to be the paid version of this publication. This will be weekly, or even more often than that.
Free subscribers will receive the post content, reviews, interviews, a day in the life, and an introduction to the “map” and a question or two to get started.
Paid subscribers will also get a “Let’s Map This Out” section to work on mapping out the particular topic challenge for your life. This will be a digital workbook version of coaching material I have utilized with my clients. Priced coaching lately? (The monthly subscription rate is an amazing deal. Psst! The annual rate is even better!) Also, this membership is the first step to working with me. I will only work with clients who are paid subscribers and on the Map for More journey here.
Tharseo - my word for the year. It’s a Greek verb. Take courage. Be Bold. Dare. And there’s a sense of this word to do all of this confidently - not because someone dared you to; but because you know you can achieve. You have full out hope of achievement. There is something behind it. You are connected to a positive source of energy or the Divine. It is something you are called to do. Then added to this, make bold moves. Dare to wander and savor and embody bold curiosity and compassion. So, my readers will see sections or entire posts on this topic.
One of the boldest moves for my own life that I have decided to make is to go through ART (Accelerated Resolution Therapy) for unresolved trauma in my life. Specifically events from 2013.. But other things like the sudden, violent loss of my brother as well. ART was born out of EMDR. It’s faster & better. I should be resolved in just 5 or 6 sessions. I am looking forward to seeing what my life looks like on the other side of ART. I met with the therapist this week and I am looking forward to this - even though this means I will be revisiting past trauma in my life in order to process it and get through to the other side of it. I may share some of this journey here. My therapist is normally booked and doesn’t accept new clients. But because my inquiry was on ART - she said she always keeps a few slots open for ART clients because she knows it won’t be open ended - and they will process through in a few weeks. There are only 3 ART - certified therapists in Amarillo right now - so I feel very lucky that they are all in my insurance network and one had an opening!
Normally, I would keep something like this private. But I share it because I want to be part of the effort to remove stigma from mental health care.
There is also a huge shortage in the field if you’re looking for a career change. I wish I could go back to school and become a counselor. If there was a certificate I could complete in 18 months or so, I would. But I have zero interest in finishing a bachelor degree spending precious time on useless courses in order to pursue additional school to get licensed.. Especially as expensive as secondary education is these days! So, I will leave that to those who have the money to do that - or the bandwidth to carry that kind of debt. I, for one, do not.
2023 carried themes about transition and deconstruction. 2024 themes will include more “Kingdom Konfidence” & stepping into the life I know I am designed for. I will still be a champion & defender for anyone in the deconstruction space no matter where they lean as they get closer to the other side of it. I will treat you with love and respect no matter what you believe as long as it doesn’t involve the harsh judgment and intolerance of others & their belief/lifestyle choices.
And finally, art. I will be sharing more of my art. That may be photography or writing (essays, poetry, memoir, etc) or cooking or other creative endeavors. This will be from the corner of my life where I embrace beauty of the creator and the Divine.
Seasons of Transition. Seasonal Fallen Leaves protecting the snow from the harsh realities of the pavement which hasn’t quite yet changed temperature with the new season.
While this journey might seem eclectic, there will be a golden thread woven through all of it that builds my Life Atlas while I hope it inspires you to do the same: My own journey of Mapping for More in ‘24.
Enjoy tidbits from my journey below. Please like, restack, and introduce this publication to others when you share this across your social media platforms. Please comment your response below: What do you envision for your life in 2024?
Until next time,
MelAnn
What I am Reading:
I am always reading several books at once, but each week I will choose something to share with you. This book is one of the best books I’ve read on ADHD - specifically how it affects women. I did a quick read through it already - but now going back to read it slowly and taking time to savor, get curious, apply some strategy for my own life with ADHD. I graciously received an ARC of this book. It releases on December 26th. I highly recommend it - and I definitely recommend getting it pre-ordered now so you don’t forget.
“Getting clear on who you are by identifying your values, strengths, skills, passions, and purpose is also critical to helping you feel you’re living a life of meaning, allowing you to make major life decisions based on who you truly are.
You may have climbed the highest tree; but if you're in the wrong forest, you likely won't feel happy or fulfilled (and may not even know why). But if you're able to identify your values, strengths, skills, passions, and purpose, you can pursue work, activities, or ambitions that align with who you truly are.
Plus, when we are interested and passionate about what we are doing or pursuing, we can leverage our ADHD brains to be successful by using our ability to hyper-focus.” - Tracy Otsuka, ADHD for Smart Ass Women
You can follow my book adventures on Litsy or Goodreads.
What I’m Listening To
The brave, haunting lyrics of P!nk’s “All Out of Fight” - I certainly resonate with this one!
And find a post from Jim Livingston below! Be sure to check out his gorgeous coffee table book - he has a very interesting story to share in addition to his beautiful photography!
Life Souvenirs | Map for More in '24 is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
Great read. I know you are coming to 2024 like a lioness.