Live the Life You Have Imagined.

Do what you love.   Love what you do.

For me, I feel like I’m living a dream. Sometimes I just stop and fill with tears of joy.
I was given an opportunity three years ago to teach a class at OU as an adjunct professor. It was January of 2013 and I felt like Lily Tomlin sitting in that giant chair, not sure I belonged. The classroom was small and I had 17 students. I realized after the first few classes this was where I belonged. It was where I always belonged but God needed to get me ready first.
So starting August 25, 2015, Diana Gayle Busch Hartley steps into an OU classroom as a Professor of Practice. This little girl from the small town of Cushing, Oklahoma, with a master’s degree in journalism, will teach in the nonprofit management program and help coordinate expansion of this important career field for college students. I can’t wait!
It does get cooler. I’m writing this post from a house I rented in Santa Fe for the month of July. The new course I’m teaching this fall is being crafted in the foothills of the Jemez and Sangre de Cristo mountains. During the week, I work on my OU courses and consulting projects. On the weekends, groups of friends come from Oklahoma to spend time here.
As of today, I’ve logged almost 80 miles hiking and walking since July 1. I’ve had time alone to really reflect on who I am and who I want to be. Most people don’t get this chance. I have a husband who supports me and wants me to follow my dreams. I have a family that encourages me and tells me they’re proud of me. I have friends who may think I’m a little crazy but they come along for the ride.
While I’ve been in Santa Fe, a 38-year-old friend of mine passed away after fighting brain cancer for two years. I was sad I couldn’t be at his memorial service. His life reminds each of us to make the most of the time we have.
I’m certainly making the most of this month in Santa Fe.
Henry David Thoreau was really onto something – I am living the life I’ve imagined. Are you?