What do I want

The demands on my time this year have stretched me to my limits, so much so that I was looking forward to a nice leisurely summer. But, as it turns out, that's not going to happen. I've had to ask myself if these commitments are worth my time, if they're going to help me get where I want to be, which then naturally begs the question of "where do I want to be?"

I think few people in the world really take the time to consider what they want and actually determine to get it. The major decisions--college, major, job, city, house--are faced by everyone, but few distinguish one option from another, assign preference and value, and seek to build a complete and fulfilled life.

My Lifestyle

Upon a modest review so far, the life I want to live starts and ends with relationships. Currently, the most time-consuming and demanding is my relationship with my career: the monster that is Grad School. That's the thing about work; it takes up all the time you're willing to devote to it. So clearly, I must start making choices that allow more time for other facets of my life. I want a relationship with my career that essentially sustains the rest of my life without consuming it. I'm not a 9-5 code monkey.

Next, the relationship with my friends. I want around me, at all times, strong, confident, interesting people, who repeatedly add value to my life in whatever context. Everyone is instantly, unabashedly my friend if they can add value to my life. And I am a center, a hub, a source in my social network. The strong, lasting connections with a few good friends last a lifetime, coloring and enriching my life.

In dating, I want to explore as many opportunities as possible with the few short years I've been given in which to do it. The mid-twenties come and go so quickly, and with them wane the youthful passion with which we can explore and meet new people. With this opportunity of a life, I want to meet and create healthy, vibrant, sexual, lasting relationships with incredible women. And, amidst these options, the one truly exception woman will emerge, naturally fading the others into the background; so that I may know beyond any all doubts that I found her. I cannot be like so many guys who stick with the first girl to come along, fearing that if they don't go all out for this one, nothing will come in the future. So, until I'm certain, I have no moral objection to explore as many relationships as possible with the little time in which I have to explore them so long as I am honest, respectful, and true.