Do You Know Where You’re Going To?

Shout out to Diana Ross’s melodic voice. This title is inspired by her breathy singing on the Mahogany soundtrack.

After last week’s defiant blog, I found myself asking that pesky question: Do you know where you’re going to? Do you like the things that life is showing you? Certainly, my questions are not as existential as these might sound, but I am curious about how they relate to my writing.

Specifically, after completing my sixth project – What Had Happened Was, a poetry collection forthcoming in 2025 (!), I floundered a bit. Do I write more poetry? Yes. Do I write an academic monograph? Yes, but on what? Do I write essays? Already in process, but currently the source of much consternation. Do I take on my “dream” project? Yes…. Eventually.

I want to pause here to tell you that I took my own advice after the project was accepted. I did mark the occasion by celebrating and took some rest.

However, the list of projects on my plate felt exciting even as it set me adrift. I had to figure out what was calling me. I understand that sounds a little looser than the academy often feels like it can be, but I’m going to keep it 100 with you. If you aren’t pulled into the orbit of your project, you will grow to hate it or resent it and it will definitely feel like the feeling is mutual.

In order to figure out my next project, I had to list all the things on my plate. It was a long list, including research projects (great and small, invited and chosen), teaching responsibilities, service responsibilities, and personal goals. Under the category of personal, I examined physical, emotional and spiritual health; experiential, intellectual, and creative growth; family, friend, and community relationships; and money, and legacy.

Far from being scary, this process helps me understand just how much I am doing, just how multi-dimensional my life is. That, in turn, gives me a greater respect for the busyness of others and just how multi-dimensional their lives are. It also drives me focus, to prioritize.

Stay tuned for next week when we talk about prioritization!