Misplaced Limitations and the Return to a Hodge-Podge Blog

As I've discussed in the past, my goal for last year was to explore "what I want to be when I grow up" and to develop a life plan. The one thing I knew for sure, to borrow Oprah's phrase, was that I did not want to practice law. I had spent years proclaiming myself a "recovering lawyer" and discouraging people from attending law school.

During my year of exploration I spent time reading about developing life plans, talking with people in different roles and a various stages of life, and journaling and blogging about various ideas. Eventually, I had a Eureka! moment and decided on a new direction. Then a couple months later, I found a better direction. And a while later, an even better direction.

After a number of false starts it struck me that I really did want to use my law degree and move in a direction related to law. The limitation I had placed on myself -- no law -- seemed helpful when I made it, but really was preventing me from getting to where I wanted to be.

Similarly, placing a restricted focus on my blog -- community volunteering -- has prevented me from posting. Focusing the blog on a particular area seemed like a good idea, but the focus wasn't interesting enough for me to inspire new posts. Instead of launching a new direction, the limitation drained me of passion for blogging.

So, Sherrilynn.com is going back to a hodge-podge blog. I'll post about thing that inspire, interest and entertain me. Hopefully you'll find them inspiring, interesting and entertaining too.

What Should I Be When I Grow Up - Part 1

"Go to law school," my dad said to me.  "I'll pay for it."  

And so I did.  

I met some great people in law school, and had some cool experiences during my legal career.  But I never aspired to be an attorney in private practice.  So, when we moved back to Seattle, I didn't look for another job.  "I'll figure it out when Little S is in school full time," I told myself. 

Maybe I've been waiting to be struck by a bolt of lightening.  Hoping I'd wake up one morning and shout, "Eureka!  I have the answer."  It hasn't happened.

In his book, What Should I Do with My Life?, Po Bronson offers the following advice for those waiting for the loud clang of inspiration:

"usually, all we get is a glimmer.  A story we read or someone we briefly met.  A curiosity.  A meek voice inside, whispering.  It's up to us to hammer out the rest.  The rewards of pursuing it are only for those who are willing to listen attentively, only for those people who really care. . . . It won't be easy, and it won't be quick.  Finding what we should do is one of life's great dramas.  It can be an endless process of discovery, one to be appreciated and respected for its difficulty."

I intend to spend some time following those glimmers.  I'll keep you posted.