Changes

How do you know when you are on the cusp of a life change? How can you find your way though all the assorted thoughts that flutter through your mind to snatch up those which are true? It's trying to find God's will for your life. What signs are from God and what is wishful thinking?

Several months ago, I shocked my best friend of many years by telling her that I wanted to change the world. She didn't laugh. She just knows me like that.

Why would a 43-year-old, self educated woman suddenly want to change the world? Mid-life crisis? I don't think so. Honestly, except for an on again off again addiction to nicotine, I am one of the sanest people I know. (And no, that isn't denial! HA!)

Perhaps I'm finally at a place in my life where all the good and bad parts have finally worked together to sharpen my focus. To give me more to offer.

I know my fiction is a part of it. I know teens are a part of it. Though I have considered writing for adults and actually tried it a couple of times, teens are where my heart is. After a great talk with my agent, I went to the hotel room and wrote out a mission statement. It's been evolving ever since.

To write entertaining fiction that encourages and inspires today's teen to live authentic lives filled with determination, vision and joy.

But that isn't enough. I think I need to work with teens in the real world, as well. But how is a woman with no "academic" qualifications going to do that? I could volunteer of course, and perhaps if I were at a different point in my writing career that would be a viable option, but I'm not there yet. Making money is not an option.

I know myself well enough to know that I can't write fiction, write nonfiction, and work with teens at the same time- not and keep up with the working out which has become a necessity for me. Oh, and clean the house and be there for my own teens, not to mention my husband.

So what to do? My nonfiction seems to be drying up a bit... is that a sign? I just applied for a really cool part time job working with teens and they seems open to all my diverse experience... if I get the job, is that a sign? My agent just wrote to tell me she adored my proposal and is sending it out... is that a sign?

How do you know when it's time to make some changes in your life? When you are on the right path? I am absolutely sure about my fiction... it's just everything else that's up in the air!