Living My Dissertation

I have been reading several books about the “Dissertation Journey” or “Destination Dissertation” or “The Education Dissertation.”  It doesn’t matter what the title is… they all seem to say the say thing.  ABD (All but dissertation) is a choice… a way of being… so, get over it.  In fact, being ABD is common for doctoral students.  This does not make the process any easier.  Although on paper, I have made little progress.  In my mind, my revisions, and my conversations… I feel like I am moving… but maybe not forwards.  I am like the hamster in the wheel who has not figured out how to stop spinning in circles.  There is no question in my mind… I have a good research topic.  As it seems, there are many entry points to the topic and it’s a matter of choosing how I would approach “the topic.”  I have moved forward a couple of times and got spooked by my feedback.  This is not a bad thing… it’s confidence building… learning to accept the standards and expectations of gradate studies as prescribed by the Community of Practice.  With many Google experiences, article downloading, and reading books, I realize that the proposal is critical in the dissertation process.  A straightforward proposal equates to a straight forward dissertation.  No pressure.  Now, I am over thinking.  Over the past year, I have disembedded myself from the workplace and created for myself an academic learning community.  I am living my dissertation.  The dissertation is not just a document, but it also involves the learning and intentions that are interconnected to the dissertation process.  I understand that my friends and family may be a bit frustrated at my “rate of progress”… as much as I am… but I have taken a full-circle.  What I am writing about is running parallel with what I am learning and experiencing with the dissertation process.  Moving forward.  Keep It Simple Sally.