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I love the phrasing of today’s prompt: It isn’t about “predicting” the future — it’s TELLING it. And I have a few things to say to 2022…

You will not make me work outside of core hours. I’m 52 now, so I can’t keep up with the youngsters who are scrambling to prove themselves, nor should I be expected to. I have three decades of professional experience to draw on. I know how to do my job. I know how to manage people and workloads. I know that your “emergency” likely isn’t actually even urgent. You will get the best of me — my attention, my expertise, my honest input — 40 hours each week.

You will not shame me for being fat. A number of factors have contributed to my plus-sized body. I frequently eat my emotions. Food is a love language for me; I revel in preparing meals and treats. I take medications scientifically proven to cause weight gain. The pandemic has decreased my daily motion. What you will do is give me the time and space to adopt healthier habits. I know what I need to do. I know how to do it. I harbor a sincere desire to make significant changes in my lifestyle. I will embrace moderation and small, easily digestible steps. I am not looking for a major transformation. I just want to feel as if I am not killing myself slowly every damn day, bite by bite.

You will see me complete the first draft of my current work-in-progress. I love the concept for this novel. I inhabit these characters, this landscape — I have a strong foundation on which to build this book. The early efforts I’ve shared have garnered much interest and praise. And I am finally able to reclaim enough energy and headspace to do two things: 1) Fill my head with other people’s words and stories to inspire and motivate myself. 2) Plant my butt in the chair, muffle my inner editor, and crank the tunes, going for quantity over quality. I am ready to write.