Birthday Thoughts

I recently turned 22 and have a lot to think about in terms of what I want to do in life. But here are a few things that I would love to do:

Join the Peace Corps - I would love to be able to be some place new and exciting while doing good work. To me this really does seem like the best way to do just that. I am not sure if I have the moxie to do that or the ability to leave the ones I love for two years though.

Teach my way through grad school - If I could spend my time doing research with some interesting professor while doing my own studies and teaching in some capacity I would be happy. It is all a lot of work. More than I have ever had before, but I think I could do a good job of this and maybe give up a bit of the leisure time I actually have so much of now a days. I just need to find a place where I could do this.

Write a book - If I starting really doing research and writing more full time I could very quickly produce a book that would change the world. My ideas and the things I am looking at go so deeply into the way most of us (here in the West) interact with the world. All I need is to put my mind to it.

Have the confidence to be happy - There are times when I go to bed or wake up with the feeling that I am not doing anything in my life that is meaningful or that will make me happy in the long run. While the majority of the day assuages these feelings, I still worry sometimes. To find the confidence I need I just need to be willing to set my mind directly on the path in life I am walking and accept that no matter which direction I go everything will be wonderful.