New reality

I hate to assume things. Everyone knows that famous saying about "assuming" anything. But we do it anyway. I'm no exception.

I can't see the future. I really don't know what's going to happen. But I'm pretty sure life's going to change in some big ways between now and the new year. If I'm wrong (which is always a possibility) you can say to me, "see what happens when you assume?"

I'm living a new reality...in a couple different ways. In some cases, this new way of doing things has been forced on me. In others, I'm choosing this route myself. In some cases, I'm happy about where things are going. In others...I'm not.

First, and this is pretty banal, I'm making a new blogging commitment. Between now and the end of the year, I'll be blogging EVERY DAY. Even though I don't advertise this blog anywhere else, I think it's an important tool for me. I'm a journalist in a rapidly changing media landscape. I need to branch out in whatever ways I can. An everyday commitment will hopefully improve my writing skills and force me to think more creatively (especially when I feel there's nothing to blog about). I think I probably lost some readers over the past few years with my sporadic postings. Maybe I can gain some of them back.

Second, my current job is likely to end within the next three months. Staying employed is my decision. Unfortunately, changing work conditions were not chosen by me. They've been so bad lately that my day of reckoning is soon to arrive. I'll need to let the powers that be know whether I want to stay. Not only that, I'll need to choose between going and signing a long-term commitment. I've been looking for new employment for a while now. There are few bright spots on the horizon. I also have bills to pay. I'm not independently wealthy. I'm scared to be unemployed. But I don't want to be motivated by fear.

Third, (and this is the hardest one of all), I'm making a pledge to be more genuine and comfortable in my own skin. I've taken some big steps in that direction this year. I'm proud of myself for that. But I've got a long way to go.

There are other aspects to my new reality. But I'm keeping them to myself for now. Still need some secrets...right?

Wish me luck. I need it.