Summary (with humor): Middle-aged, neurodivergent woman strives to achieve new goals for the new year, now that her energy and motivation have returned.

I don’t know about everyone else, but, for me, these past 4 years have been hard. Lots of changes. Lots of disappointments. And, unsurprisingly, so many survival tactics and re-prioritizing. COVID-19 kicked it off, and I’ve been dazed and treading water for a long time.

During this time, I managed to pop into some online events and Zoom calls, work with clients on accessibility, and care for myself and my family. It’s felt like a slow downhill slide, though. Last year, in particular, I felt very disconnected from the world and the accessibility community.

I’m coming up for air more often these days. And finding my way back into community. I’m being intentional about my decisions. The start of this year feels much better than the start of last year (2023). I don’t feel low. Somehow I’ve found renewed energy for goals. I’m ready to put something into this year, so I can get something out of it. I’m making plans with specific priorities in mind.

Recently, I made a list of what I want from this year, career-wise. On review, I discovered I had 4 overarching priorities:

• Earn enough income to live, getting paid for the time I put into consultation and projects;
• Remain qualified as an expert within the digital accessibility field by deepening my own knowledge and experience;
• Stay engaged in the accessibility and disabled communities ; and
• Contribute to communities, virtually and locally, to build accessibility awareness, education, and advocacy.

I hope to post 2-4 times a month, as I become more intentional about my priorities. Sharing my own accessibility learning fulfills goals within my “stay engaged” and “contribute to communities” priorities. Check-ins and reminders to encourage others to be alert for their own feelings of burnout are also a part of my plan.

I still feel like I’m on a ride, uncertain where it’s heading. But I hope to reconnect and be intentional this year. Some things in life are within my control, while others are completely out of my control. I need to take control where I can, so I can move forward. Onward. Upward.

This reminds me of part of a prayer I heard many years ago:

“…accept what I can’t change, change what I can change, and discern one from the other.”

Serenity Prayer

See you out there, my fellow web developers and accessibility community! We are all out here together.