It's difficult not to ponder your quality of life when someone close to you is fighting an end that is approaching much too rapidly. Unfortunately, it's also far too easy to get wrapped up in the daily drama of work, relationships, bills, and...life. While living in the moment is considered an admirable quality by some, I find much more satisfaction in looking to the future and setting my sights on what lies ahead; there must be a balance between the two. Sometimes it takes looking forward to truly appreciate the here and now, putting the small steps into perspective of a larger goal.
Overall, I enjoy my job; however, on a day-to-day basis, I find myself being dragged down and feeling unsatisfied. While I am gaining valuable experience and developing skills I may not have ever had the opportunity to even explore, there have been considerable challenges recently that test my endurance and perseverance. But by taking a step back and reflecting on where I'm headed, I know these bumps in the road are manageable and probably even necessary.
There is still so much that I want to do and see in my lifetime - I refuse to accept Mexico as the only other country I've visited; I am no where near finished with my formal education; I want to engage in meaningful research; I'm ready to experience once again living closer to family; I strive to feel complete fulfillment.
Life is much too short and moving far too quickly to be caught up in the small stuff.
