A journey.
A wise friend said, you are still on a journey...keep on...and on...and on! So, over the past 3 weeks I've spent time in Nashville, a brief trip to Georgia, the Knoxville area, and in Oneida with my family. I've hiked some (just day hikes), have done some cross country running (the hip seems to be doing fine) and have sorta been lying low. The shame of not completeing the hike still lingers but I'm dealing with that on a week by week basis now instead of day by day.
A friend asked me yesterday, sooo what are you planning on doing with your life? Another friend, who is a father was telling me the story of his 23 year old daughter who after graduating and working in her field of study for a couple years has decided that she doesn't really have any idea what she wants to do with her life. I assured him that if she has a curious spirit she may never really know. I reminded him that I was 39 and sorta on the same "life plan!" he grinned a grin of fear and dread!
I admire my friends like Paul. Paul knows what he wants...did undergrad...did grad school...got a great job...has worked and been disciplined....got a husband....bought a house....and is now doing his Phd work (in his original field of study!) now why can't we all be like that! I've always thought that if I could just choose a topic of study I could do that. I hear friends like Paul say, I admire your free spirited nature, your ability to pick up and just take off. Well, let me tell you...taking off doesn't pay the bills! You don't get a degree in "taking off and being free spirited!" and although you have great party chat you are still looked at as "that friend who can't or doesn't keep a job!" Think about it, how many times have you chosen not to pursue a dating relationship with someone who "doesn't have a good career!" or who has a "job" instead of a career. The pressure is immense....we really are judged by our professional success. I'd be interested in hearing from folks if this resonates with them. Have you ever felt pressure to "be" something professionally? was it internal or external pressure? how did you deal with it?
I've decided to spend the summer in Tennessee with friends and family. I'll be living with my friend Mary, waiting tables, planting a garden, getting to know my nieces better, enjoying time at the lake with friends, and just being. I've decided that it makes sense to really take the next few months and try and figure out a path that works for me. If you've never been...come to Tennessee!
A friend asked me yesterday, sooo what are you planning on doing with your life? Another friend, who is a father was telling me the story of his 23 year old daughter who after graduating and working in her field of study for a couple years has decided that she doesn't really have any idea what she wants to do with her life. I assured him that if she has a curious spirit she may never really know. I reminded him that I was 39 and sorta on the same "life plan!" he grinned a grin of fear and dread!
I admire my friends like Paul. Paul knows what he wants...did undergrad...did grad school...got a great job...has worked and been disciplined....got a husband....bought a house....and is now doing his Phd work (in his original field of study!) now why can't we all be like that! I've always thought that if I could just choose a topic of study I could do that. I hear friends like Paul say, I admire your free spirited nature, your ability to pick up and just take off. Well, let me tell you...taking off doesn't pay the bills! You don't get a degree in "taking off and being free spirited!" and although you have great party chat you are still looked at as "that friend who can't or doesn't keep a job!" Think about it, how many times have you chosen not to pursue a dating relationship with someone who "doesn't have a good career!" or who has a "job" instead of a career. The pressure is immense....we really are judged by our professional success. I'd be interested in hearing from folks if this resonates with them. Have you ever felt pressure to "be" something professionally? was it internal or external pressure? how did you deal with it?
I've decided to spend the summer in Tennessee with friends and family. I'll be living with my friend Mary, waiting tables, planting a garden, getting to know my nieces better, enjoying time at the lake with friends, and just being. I've decided that it makes sense to really take the next few months and try and figure out a path that works for me. If you've never been...come to Tennessee!
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