Chapter 1: Working the Spirit: Narrating Work and Life

I have to admit, when I was first invited to write this chapter, the task seemed really daunting. I had just moved to a new city and university, began my fourth year as a professor, was serving as a convention cochair for a conference, planning a wedding, and transitioning as the major breadwinner while my partner finishes his dissertation. All of this was occurring while I was heading into my sixth year of biweekly Hights across the country as a consultant for a major educational company. I also was recovering from a bad case of say-yes-to-everything-you’re-asked-to-do-itis caused by a hyperfocus on obtaining tenure. Underneath this facade of grace and graciousness, I became painfully aware that I needed an intervention and I needed it quick.