Big Goals, Small Accomplishments

 

 

I had big plans for the summer. I had taken an extended vacation in April so I would not take any weeks of vacation during the summer. However, I was determined to give myself the gift of time. I was not going to overschedule my weekends. I was going make progress on my next writing project. I was going to take a couple of long weekends to spend time with loved ones.

It is now September and classes start on Wednesday. Students are coming to campus to finalize their schedules and check on their financial aid. What happened to my summer? What happened to my goals?

I made choices. This resulted in a light schedule for June and July. One of those long weekends was spent with my childhood best friend to celebrate a milestone birthday. It was lovely and refreshing. My husband and I spent a long weekend at a local inn. We got to visit with her and extended family. Afterall, her family was my second family growing up.

July brought a long talk over coffee with a dear friend one Saturday morning. My August Saturdays got filled with family and friends.

As for my writing project? I made connections. I wrote a chapter. I rethought the structure. It was a big goal. I accomplished little. There were distractions. That does not diminish what was accomplished. It was a choice. I would not trade the fun. The laughter. The fellowship.

If you enjoy my blog and would like to follow me on Facebook, I can be found at The Reluctant Survivor. 

 

I Wrote a Book

 

Imposter syndrome is real.

According to the Caltech Counseling Center, impostor syndrome is “a collection of feelings of inadequacy that persist even in face of information that indicates that the opposite is true. It is experienced internally as chronic self-doubt, and feelings of intellectual fraudulence.”

My book is based on over 25 years of experience in higher education. For those who don’t know, I am the Director of Compliance at a community college. My focus is on regulatory compliance. I work with my colleagues across the college to make sure we are up-to-date on various federal and state regulations that apply to institutions of higher education.

In my preface I mention that I developed the idea for my book from meetings, conferences, and trainings that I had attended over the years. My experience researching federal regulations and writing departmental policies added to my knowledge. Developing institutional policies and working with cross-functional teams increased my expertise.

However, none of this prepared me for the lack of confidence and feelings of vulnerability. Yes, I have the knowledge. Yes, I have the expertise. Yes, I know how to do research. Yes, I know how to communicate. One-on-one. In a memo. During a meeting. At a conference. But to put it all in one place and share it with the world is daunting.

And so, I wrote a book. I sent it to the publisher and held my breath. I do not expect it to be a best seller, but I wanted to share my knowledge with a larger audience. I wanted to pass on my expertise to others. For me, it is not a “feeling of inadequacy” in the face of information that indicates the opposite is true. It is a feeling of vulnerability. Now everyone knows what I am thinking.

My book can be purchased on Amazon at Institutional Compliance: It's a Team Sport. 

If you enjoy my blog and would like to follow me on Facebook, I can be found at The Reluctant Survivor. 

15 Years

 

Fifteen years ago, I finished treatment for triple negative breast cancer. When making the chemotherapy decision the odds were better to go ahead with the treatment. My oncologist told us that she hoped to prevent recurrence within the next 15 years. When I reached year 10, I “graduated” from oncology. There were tears and hugs. My oncologist told me I was her miracle patient. It’s been 15 years.

Those 15 years have seen many changes, joys, and sadness. We bought a new house. We’ll have been in it 14 years this summer. It still feels like a new home. I started a new job. I’ve been there 12 years and genuinely love what I do.

I’ve lost friends. I’ve made new friends. I’ve reconnected with past friend.

We lost three of our beloved cats. We now have two new cats. Brothers who have brought joy and laughter into our home and help to heal our broken hearts.

Parents have aged. My husband retired. We’ve aged.

It’s been 15 years.

 

 

If you enjoy my blog and would like to follow me on Facebook, I can be found at The Reluctant Survivor.