Page 105 - Sorry, We're Not Hiring Any Visionaries Today

CHAPTER 12
I do have a project that will start soon with my gerontologist. She and I are going to write a book together. It was her idea, and I’m down for that. I am fo- cused primarily on death and dying and facilitating. I want to help others get their end-of-life “ducks in a row”.
I think success is looking at one’s role or, in my case, roles in life and feeling good about them. I ask myself, “Was that rewarding to me? Was it rewarding to others? Did it advance the knowledge or the purpose of the fields I worked in?” If so, I consider what I’ve done to be a success.
My Reflections
Looking back at the distilled content of my interview, I notice how many and varied were my professional pursuits. At each turn I recall having excitement for my new venture. I also felt a sense of accomplishment for the previous role. I learned so very much from my students, coworkers, and mentors along the way, and I’m deeply grateful for all they taught me.
My prevailing love of language and for its use to disseminate information and forge connections has been one of my guiding lights. I also believe in the power of choice and in its role as an important element in education and in living a purposeful life.
My father showed me how to face life’s end while consciously creating peace and acceptance. It is my fervent wish that each of my projects may contribute something valuable to its reading audience. I am deeply grateful for every opportunity to con- nect and build a growing level of comfort with end-of-life matters and other life challenges.
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