moving forward ->

I have the intention to resurrect this blog. I don't have the perfect clarity of what value I can contribute with this blog, but I envision myself as a young librarian/information professional/international traveler who has insights to share and discuss with a readership. I would enjoy that human connection, and hopefully I can help and inspire those who have dreams similar to mine.

I have finally finished my spring/summer employment at Wal-Mart stores, and while I cannot say the work was intellectually stimulating, I think I am developing greater patience. I have mixed thoughts and feelings about how my character should develop as I get older...but patience is a quality I have neglected in my studies and my personal life. Unrealistic expectations are not at all unusual for me. *Yes,* I have demanded from myself full-time school, music ensembles,and part-time work - and CLEARLY I needed to be able to prepare for grad school and keep a 4.0 GPA at the same time. Wasn't that just setting myself up for failure? Such an obscenely, self-centered way of life, e.g. valuing my opinion of myself much more than my contribution to others...

I am making the choice every day to" live every day as my last, yet learn as though I will live forever" (thanks Gandhi).

I think about what I want and how to make it happen. I don't think about what I "should" want - perfection - and instead, what feels right to my heart. My heart is much wiser than my minds' thoughts - I leave the psychological constructs and social conditioning in the background where they belong. My heartset draws me to my goals. I deserve to accomplish them, just like you do.

I can't believe how much my changes of attitude have revolutionized my life. I am making friends much easier than before, and I have a much more ambitious vision than before. Ironically, letting go of the perfection makes me much more ready to tackle challenges. I feel abundant financially, and am so much more grateful for the educational experiences I have had as an undergraduate.

What beliefs hold you back? Which move you forward? How can we get less of the former and more of the latter?