Goals

*Work diligently to improve the environment and the world around me

*Volunteer my time regularly to a cause or organization that benefits humanity in some way

*Complete my BA degree

*Take a chance every day

*Always write music

*Give what I can and what I don't need

*Be honest in everything I do and say

*Perform and share my art

*Live within my means

*Learn French among other languages

*Provide my dog with a happy, healthy life

*Love wholly and unconditionally

*Do not judge.

*Catch and work past selfish tendencies

*Apply to volunteer with the PeaceCorps

*Travel and explore the world

*Count my blessings, especially the small ones

*Always remain in contact with my family

*Manage my time responsibly

*Stay in control of my attitude, knowing that I cannot control others, but may affect them through my energy

*Make sure the people I love know beyond any shadow of doubt that I love them

*Don't get jealous, but be happy for the fortune and success of others

*Learn constantly as a student of life and all people

*Always have an open mind

Transitioning

Well, I did it. I left my life in Idaho to pursue a new one with seemingly endless possibility in Austin. Here I am - just me and the pup.

I've had a lot of time to myself to spend in reflection and simple discovery of things I thought I always knew. I'm realizing how ever-changing life is and, in turn, how constantly I am evolving as an individual. These are simple concepts that seem so evident, yet require experience and sometimes even epiphany to truly grasp - at least for me anyway.

I came down here to do something good; for myself and for the world around me. To follow a dream and live a passion, and also to give back.

I'm absorbing the energy of the city and those around me, and observing attitudes and interactions. Everyday, I find life and the people living it more fascinating. I strive to understand and show empathy and compassion rather than judgment or discord; to be positive and choose to see the beauty in what seems bleak and hopeless; to look past tragedy and the evil that consumes the world and make a light of my own that might shine into someone else's space. And finally, to find the most comfortable means of living life, while still taking risks and chances regularly, pushing myself to be better.

In the ten days I've been here, I've meditated on the idea of compassion and humanity. It is a firm belief of mine that we live for happiness - a total embodiment of which would signify true success at the end of a lifetime. And, no matter how simple the concept, I now know. I know it's not about me. That, I think, is the first step.

Now, to discover how to live for something bigger than myself.

To possibility!

"No man is an island entirely of itself; Every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main. Any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind; And therefore, never send to know for whom the bell tolls - it tolls for thee." -John Donne

Le début d'un grand voyage

Today, the rain was a perfect finish to a fabulous day.

"Let's build a kingdom in the desert and jump up and down when it rains . . .
There are only five winds owned by the holy god . . .
and she is glowing with her light embracing her strength with her final bite" -- Y La Bamba