My long-time readers will know that I’ve developed a bit of a habit in reflecting on the year that’s been and writing my intentions for the year ahead down. I’m a little late to the party this year as it’s the last day of January and I’m only just getting around to this… Oops! Better late than never though, right?

So, what do I want for 2022? I’ve got a few work related things I need to do, a pretty big milestone in my PhD that I HAVE to do this year, and I’ve got an idea of my word for the year. Let’s start with work (because that’s easy).

I had to set some probationary objectives for my new role as Lecturer in Teacher Librarianship at Charles Sturt University (wow, it’s still weird to be saying that out loud – or typing it in this case…). I’m including a very brief overview here to give you an idea of what I’m working towards:

1. Successfully deliver two subjects in session 1 (202230) at CSU:
   • ETL503 Resourcing the Curriculum
   • ETL523 Digital Citizenship in schools
2. Join School of Information and Communication Studies Learning and Teaching Committee
3. Student representative for Faculty of Arts and Education Research Committee (pending approval)
4. Completion of probationary subject EEL522 Foundations of Learning & Teaching in Higher Education

I’m slowly learning how to navigate the many different portals and programs we use at CSU for all sorts of teaching/research functions. It’s been nice having this long, slow lead in to a new job. Also very grateful to my colleagues that have already been so helpful and kind with their time.

In terms of my PhD, this year is the year that I will need to be ‘confirmed.’ This is essentially a process that allows me to present what I want to do to a research advisory panel, and they either approve, approve with changes, or deny my research. I HAVE to have this process done by the beginning of August and so far, I’m feeling good about it. Once I am approved, I will officially be a PhD Candidate at CSU and I can start the ethics process and then data collection. It’s been a long road to get to this point already but I’m feeling positive.

As for my word of the year… Well, last year it was kindness. I think I was kind to myself as I went through two different medication changes and dealt with a bout of depression that lasted for months… All I know is that last year was haaaaaarrrrdddd and I’m glad to be on the other side. Anyway, for this year, I am choosing the word HEALTH.

Health can mean a lot of things to lots of people. For me, it’s going to be about putting my health first. Whether that’s by exercising, resting, reading, or doing something intellectually stimulating. Health is the aim of the game this year and I’m off to a good start already.

I started ‘running’ (although, I think shuffling is probably a better describing word) on the 12th of January and I have run three times a week since that day. I stopped drinking on the 4th of December and have been sober since then too. I am currently on my longest meditation streak at 35 days on the Headspace ap and I really want to keep that going. I’m hoping to read one book a week and so far I’m 4 books in 4 weeks. There are times when I really don’t want to run or read or meditate but then I remember what I’ve done so far and gently force myself to persist. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it and clearly shows a marked improvement in my mental health when compared to last year (when all of those things took too much energy to even contemplate, let alone do).

So, health, teaching, confirmation, learning… sounds like a pretty good year to me.