Farewell to the District (Part II: Living My Values)

Now my time in DC comes to an end.  I have set my sights on a new challenge – an adventure in a new country.  But before I go learn more about the world, it is necessary to return to the place where first I learned about the ways of life - back to the gentle hills of my childhood in central Texas.  It is only in this a serene and special environment that I can fully reset my mind and lay the foundation for the next phase of my life.  

I have given this decision much deliberation and decided it is something I need to do.  I believe it is more than a mere geographic change; it is a watershed moment that will mold my future.  This decision is a sign that I have the ability to choose exploration over routine, learning over complacency, new experiences over financial security. 

 

But one choice does not reflect habit.  In order to fully solidify my values and beliefs, I must integrate these ideals into my daily life.  And I believe this is achieved through self-reflection and the quest to continue learning (the theme of this blog).  

Along these lines, I am excited to share some of the things I have learned during my time in DC.  While I have learned much, three truths stand out. 

The first: Relationships are the most important thing in life.  As discussed in David Brooks “The Social Animal,” we are a species that survive from human interaction.  But relationships serve much more than a utilitarian function; they are where we learn most.  Much like humans, relationships grow and change too.  Each day they are tested, and to survive, they require energy and commitment.  The tiring grind of work.  The finite time in each day.  The easy answer of “I’ll call him later.”  All of these realities and numerous others will challenge us to live by this truth.  But I have taken the first step- I have recognized the validity of this belief.  Now I must learn to live by it.

The second: Happiness is not a state of being, it’s a lifestyle.  This lifestyle is founded upon the choices we make.  Each day we face hundreds of choices and our contentment lies in the outcome.  It’s counterintuitive how we often pick the less desirable option for the sake of assumed security, politeness, expectations, etc.  Moreover, we get unhappy by the result of these choices.  I believe effective decision making comes from the relationship between the gut, the head, and the heart.  A harmony between these forces will enable us to be at peace will our decisions and live a life of happiness. 

      

The third: Actions define us.  The simple fact is we are known by what we do; it’s not real until you act on it.  The thoughts that run through our head are as tangible as the stories in our dreams.  The reciprocal truth to this is that our actions have consequences – consequences that we must live by.  In the end, we depart with the peace in our heart and this has led me to face the question – how do I want to live my life?       

I have a vision for how I want to live my life.  This vision encompasses my faith, habits, career, beliefs, education and all the factors that comprise an individual.  To achieve this vision, I have set goals.  But for too long I have not realized these goals.  And now, I have resolved  that I must dedicate the time needed to make these permanent.  The overriding goal of my upcoming journey is to make these values a part of me.  It will be a time to confront the bad habits that live in my consciousness and understand demons that lurk in my subconscious.  It will be a renaissance that builds off the first 25 years of my life and sets the stage for the next 25 years.  

At the heart of this spiritual pilgrimage is the effort to crystallize my values, so I ultimately have the clarity and courage to fuse them with my professional life.  We have all heard of the infamous “mid-life crisis.”  For many people, this is largely career driven, and the result is erratic and sometimes harmful behavior.  The mid-life crisis has always seemed easily avoidable to me.  The antidote is deep self-introspection that is too often overlooked in the 20’s decade.  

I am heading off this “crisis.”  I am taking anticipatory and proactive action.  Call it “quarter-life curiosity.”  The only way to fill this curiosity is devoting time to focus on my goals.  That is why I choose this journey.  This path is not possible for everyone: some people have pressing responsibilities, some do not have the means, and some do not have the will or desire.  I have been very fortunate, blessed and lucky in life, and I also have a rock solid support system of family and friends.  It is these things that have enabled me to pursue this habit-building voyage.

So now I move forward, without fear and emboldened by change - the change that will build the foundation I need to make my mark in this life.