Someone I met recently commented that they noticed I had not posted a blog here since May 2011. I can’t believe it’s been that long but I’ve been busy co-authoring a book (yes, another autism book!).
But I’m back here today – because I woke up this morning from a really weird dream brought on by my daytime worries. Even if the dream involved Johnny Depp (more on the dream, later), obviously I am overwhelmed and stressed – probably like many of you reading this. And I wanted to share something I hope will be helpful.
After I woke up from my dream (and got over the initial excitement of having visited with Johnny Depp while still in my own bed) I decided enough was enough, and that I had to start walking the talk I give autism parents about taking care of themselves.
So I decided to follow the advice of Chris Brogan. I received an email describing how in the last few years Chris has skipped the tradition of creating New Year’s Resolutions (soon forgotten) and instead he creates three words that describe what he wants to focus on for the coming year. I thought that was a great idea and could help my stress level.
Here are my three words: (none of which are Johnny or Depp):
Produce: I have great ideas, and I follow through when there are clear-cut deadlines ( for a publisher or a speaking engagement), but my own professional projects (AutismCollege.com) and personal ones (exercise, develop my personal relationships, mentor my autistic son Jeremy in reaching his life goals) don’t get completed in a timely fashion. So this year, I will produce the projects I have identified as crucial and dear to my heart. Which takes me to my second word…
Flow: In order to have more time to produce, I need to eliminate distractions and clutter in all areas of my life. I’m interested in so many things and I easily get distracted so I am learning to have blinders like a racing horse does and focus on the finish line. Horses can still sense what they may not necessarily see, and I hope I have the same instincts when necessary.
Collaborate: Often I am so busy with outside deadlines that I don’t make the effort to spend time with people who I could effectively partner with to reach mutually beneficial professional and personal goals. This year, I will focus on collaborating with like-minded people who have similar goals.
Hopefully, what I’ve shared is helpful to you. However, I know most of you just want to hear about my dream involving Johnny Depp (rated PG). So here it is:
I dreamt I was visiting my daughter, Rebecca, who was staying with a musician friend, helping him break into the music business. (Rebecca is a volunteer DJ at the UC Davis radio station). Johnny Depp was staying there as well (big surprise!). While I’m there Johnny asks Rebecca to help him with the computer to hear an on-line training course that is discussing streams of income and sales funnels and handling your wealth. I am nervous meeting Johnny, so I try to make conversation about how Rebecca could use information like that because she is having such a tough time finding a part time job (reality) while at college, and could use money, and as I continue talking I realize that I sound like I am asking Johnny Depp for money and for a job for Rebecca, which I am not. I’m just having a bad case of foot in- mouth disease. I feel really stupid. Only my daughter was more embarrassed than I was. We climb into a small boat to reach the small stage where Rebecca’s musician friend is playing, and getting out of the boat I splash my husband’s best friend from New Jersey, and his wife and practically drown them. Embarrassment after embarrassment. You know the feeling.
That’s my dream. So this morning I woke up, wrote PRODUCE, FLOW, COLLABORATE on a piece of paper and put it on the dining room table (center of the house) and every time I do something now I ask if it fits in with my goals. I’ll keep you posted on how my three words work out.
What are you focusing on this year?
If you are still reading this far and you know Johnny Depp, tell him I’m not asking for money, but if he needs info on autism, tell him to check out my books and websites, and to call me if he has time for lunch. We could collaborate on something. Hopefully, his good looks won’t be too much of a distraction.
Best wishes to you and your family for 2012!