peacetraveler22: (bear)
[personal profile] peacetraveler22
blossom

In America, we have an expression - "spring forward, fall back." The phrase is used in connection with Daylight Savings Time, when Americans move their clocks one hour forward at the start of the spring season and one hour back in autumn. However, the saying also is a metaphor for life. At times, problems, frustrations and stresses pile to the point that we stumble and fall backward. The challenge is to not get beaten down to the point that you give up and refuse to lift yourself from the ground. People who fail to do so account for a large portion of the miserable, bitter adults roaming the planet. For me, the main frustration recently has been my job, which has become overbearing and life consuming. This leads to almost no time for the blog or anything else in life, and it's the reason for my long absence from writing here the past few weeks. Yet, we are always in control of our own lives and destiny to some extent, so I formulated a plan for change.

A few weeks ago, I started writing a proposal to reduce my work schedule as a lawyer. The goal was to convince my law firm that I am valuable, even if I'm in the office less. As lawyers, we are trained to be persuasive, to argue and advocate for the interests of our clients and, ultimately, for ourselves. I wrote here that being single with no children provides me with a lot freedom in life - ultimately, I'm financially responsible for and answer only to myself. And, for me, the most important thing in life is to keep moving forward and exploring, not having a huge bank account.

My proposal was approved on Friday and will be implemented at the beginning of April. What does this mean? Less time in the office and more time to travel! Also, a large reduction in salary so I'll probably have fewer trips overseas, although I'll somehow find a way to return to Russia in the near future. :) Two international trips already are planned, and I'll announce the details soon.

Many of you contacted me in comments and personal messages during my absence to make sure I was okay. I'm grateful to have so many dedicated and kind readers. Together, we spring forward - both on the blog and with the change of season. The cherry blossoms, pictured in the cover photo from 2013, will soon be in full bloom in Washington, DC. It's the most beautiful time in the city, and I'll show you more in future reports.

A reminder that you can also follow me on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

You're back!

Date: 2014-03-25 01:07 am (UTC)
From: (Anonymous)
Dear Shannon, so happy to see you blogging again! You are brave to take steps to figure out what you want in life/this life period. I was afraid, you decided to be less involved in LJ. Thank god (I know it's not just about blogging, it's expressing oneself and finding yourself, could sound silly for some, but in your case I think it's more level-headed decision, I hope )). Irina from Baltimore

Re: You're back!

Date: 2014-03-25 01:29 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] peacetraveler22.livejournal.com
Hi Irina! Thanks for the nice note and encouragement. I sometimes think about leaving LJ and writing my blog on another platform where I could reach more English speakers. But I would miss my Russian readers too much. They are very dedicated and loyal to me. :) Stay warm! So cold in the DC area today.

Re: You're back!

Date: 2014-03-25 02:13 am (UTC)
From: (Anonymous)
O, right now I am hoping it's going to snow tomorrow enough for me to stay at home, but it's going to be too warm to be snowed in). If you'll have more time to travel now, especially to Rossiya, you might consider visiting Siberia, more specifically Yakutia, where I am from. Just a consideration. Irena

Re: You're back!

Date: 2014-03-25 02:04 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] peacetraveler22.livejournal.com
It would be great to visit Siberia! However, it's so far and expensive to reach. Maybe some company will sponsor my journey there in the future if my blog continues to grow. This would be the ideal situation. :)

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