Preparing Me for 2014

It’s only September and I’m preparing for 2014. I figure I start early since I anticipate many changes in my life. My life has been interesting for some time, but I believe it’s going to become more interesting as time passes. I’m going to make sure of it. Being accepted into graduate school made me realize my potential in pursuing a career I want, social work. I’m confident I will do well and be effective throughout the process. However, I am prepared to leave room for my creativity and other interests. I’m willing to make sacrifices to accomplish this goal. It's not that I haven’t sacrificed already, but this time I will be more proactive with it. I don’t want anything to interfere in accomplishing this ultimate goal; I will be a social worker. Another reason I am pushing hard for this is that I would be the first in my family to obtain a Master’s degree. I would like to have that honor and make my family proud. My mom keeps telling me I am going to pursue a doctorate after the Master’s degree. I am still contemplating on that. “Dr. Dara K. Fulton” does have a nice ring to it!

So what is the preparation process? I already started organizing my workspace suitable to do my work. I’ve spent the year reading everything social work related, as well as networked with people in the field. I’ve taken a variety of training, volunteered, and still a member of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). Yet, social work and graduate school aren’t the only things that will make 2014 a great year. I also set aside several fun projects to keep my ESL teaching skills up to par, and creativity fresh.  Although fun for me, I am aware all of these things I will be doing alone.

Socializing is something I hope to do more of in 2014. I have to approach it differently than I did this year. I hope to meet new, like-minded people who share similar interests as me. That has been lacking and would explain why I am alone most of the time. I have some ideas on how to approach this new territory. I am open to newness. I hope to travel as well.  Lastly, I would like to explore the dating scene. I blush just mentioning it! Sadly, this is scary territory for me since it’s been three years being in a relationship. I think this would be the most challenging thing to encounter since I don’t go out much, not savvy in flirting, and different from the norm. Majority of the women I know are involved or family bound. I don’t have many single friends. I will admit (this is embarrassing but whatever) I don’t like asking for advice when it comes to dating. The responses are usually too judgmental, sexual, or comments ranging from “Why are you still single?” to “There’s someone out there for your type.” My type? I’m still lost on that one. Yeah, this is going to be my biggest challenge yet!

Meanwhile in comfort zone, I continue to write and express myself. Self-expression is the one thing I have total control over. Recently I received an email from a reader of this blog who expressed a liking to reading my words here. She finds it to be inspirational. It’s going to be three years this December and to know I inspired someone by sharing my life on here means the world to me. It’s what keeps this blog going, and the inspiration behind writing a book. I thank her for reading.

Here’s to self- expression and to 2014.