I Am The Answer

 

"Time is an illusion. Lunchtime doubly so." ~ Douglas Adams, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy

Upon this occasion of my 42nd birthday, you will find me this morning visiting the grave of Douglas Adams. After all it has been his influence that means I ascribe some meaning to this otherwise mostly unremarkable milestone.

And so, because I have afforded myself the indulgence of making today a day of particular importance, I am in turn keen to reflect on where and who I am these days, and publish that here for those who care to know me.

For those of you following along at home, you will recall that the last calendar year in particular has been one of important self-acknowledgement and discovery; first came the realisation that my mental health was not where I wanted it to be - after a few important but difficult moments - and second came the work to get to a better place.

Supported by my incredible partner Nessa, and some very understanding professionals; I took on both physical and mental improvements that have undoubtedly resulted in many improvements I can be proud of: My overall sense of optimism for my own particular life has well and truly returned; my relationship with Nessa in particular has taken on a more significant meaning as it ever has (and continues to grow in wonderful ways); I have a clearer focus on what I want to be doing with the time I have left to me; and in general I am just a happier individual than I have been, certainly in recent memory.

The progress has been categorised by my very own support narrative (The Ministry of Ginger) as part of 'Project Chrysalis' in which I have taken stock of what I spend my time and energy doing, and - certainly through phase two of that project - began to refine this perspective, and start to set out future paths and plans.

I have also just announced that the incoming MoGian year will also be known as "The Year Of The Dan" for self-motivational purposes.

Within this arbitrary timeframe, I intend to make myself the primary focus of everything I do, along with my partnership with Nessa, the welfare of my parents, and the continued support of the development of my godchild.

Which is not to say all the other folk in my life are about to be ignored; that is certainly not the intent; but one of the many things I have learned in recent times, is that sometimes you do need to play to your newfound strengths, and - quite frankly - give these things a go, and see where it takes you.

I know that sounds a little mysterious, so I thought I would contextualise that with some actual things I am looking to explore in the coming MoGian year:

• Curate my interests with more focus (specifically films/TV/music)
• Reconnect with Discworld and see what my relationship is to it these days
• Explore what options lie ahead in terms of housing
• Challenge myself physically over the course of a week [a specific plan in mind, but too early to share]

There are other goals too; some relating to the Ministry; others relating to those closest to me. All will likely manifest in some form in a revised 'danifesto' which I feel needs refreshing.

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Which is all to say, this is where I am. Currently. Somewhere floating through space on an incomprehensibly large rock, hurtling through the cosmos with - not for the first time in my life - a sense of purpose and direction; but - crucially - with a better perspective than before. And one that I hope will continue to evolve.

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As you may be aware, in Hitchhikers the explanation given for the somewhat unexpected answer to the question of Life, the Universe and Everything; is that we weren't specific enough in defining the parameters of the question. (And so the Earth was designed to run a new program to clarify the question, except the Earth - spoilers - gets demolished by the Vogons, five minutes before the program completed). And in fact Adams goes as far to say that it simply isn't possible for The Answer and The Question to co-exist, without cancelling everything out.

And so the overall question may well still be alluding myself and others for now; but at least, under the Gregorian calendar, I can at least definitively state that I am now the answer.

Time to live...
Time to excel...