be present

“Do not set your eyes on things far off.” – Pythian Odes

Several people lately have asked me some iteration of “What are the gifts where you are?” so I’ve been spending some time reflecting on this question

Each time I step closer toward a goal I’ve set for myself—each time I let myself believe I’m growing toward something important or becoming the person I want myself to be—I feel terrified.  I have no idea why this happens.  My friends, a brilliant hodgepodge of medical students and engineers, musicians and itinerant travelers, tell me not only that I’ll be fine, but that I already am.  I love them for that.  They remind me that my life is not and will not be conventional, because I’m not conventional.  I’m a weirdo.