While you are pregnant, you may feel like you’re in a time capsule. All your thoughts are concentrated in the present as you await the birth of your baby. But the future will arrive some day soon, and it’s good to have some plans. For your baby you may have made an adoption plan. But you need to make plans for yourself, too. You need to think about how the plans for yourself and for your baby fit together.

The decisions you make at this time with regard to parenting your child (with or without a partner) or placing your child for adoption will greatly influence your plans. They may even determine the kind of future that you plan for yourself.

What kind of life would you wish for your child?

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Now, think about yourself for a moment. Take some time to remember goals that you may have had in the past. We set goals for the future because of what is important to us. Let yourself dream without any reservations about what your life could be like in the future if you could have the things that are important to you.

What kind of home would you like to live in?



What hobbies, travels, or relaxation activities would you enjoy doing?



Where would you like to travel?



Is finishing your education important to you?



What career or job do you want?



What kind of relationships do you want?



Do the goals you’ve set for yourself fit with the priorities you would wish for your child’s life?



Are you willing to postpone or adjust your goals to give your child the life you would wish him/her to have?



If raising your child yourself alters your plans, how do you feel about having to change your goals or give up your dreams?

Next: One Step at a Time