I was talking with a friend of mine recently, discussing our dinner and drink plans upon my return and how I'm enjoying life in Korea these days. I described life here as good, but glad that there is a plan to come home in the near future. He responded that it can't be all that good, when I'm so looking forward to getting out of here.
Now, some of you might take his side, that life can't be that great in the now if I permanently have the future in the back of my mind.
I, however, have a different perspective on this. Having a short-term-future plan to look forward to keeps my mind in check. If I didn't already have this planned, I would be constantly racking my brain as to what I'm going to do and when and how I'm going to make that happen.
This may be a personality flaw. Maybe it's a good thing.
Focusing on my exit strategy and my vacation plans has so far kept my mind out of the you-have-no-job-set-up-on-your-return-to-MN-life freaking out stage, as well as the where-am-I-going-to-live and will-I-even-have-any-money-left questions.
I have short-term-future plans, including all of the things above, traveling, job hunting and hopefully obtaining, apartment. Hopefully the money part will just sort itself out. It usually does one way or another! I would say that the short-term-future plans include the Taylor Swift Concert that I want to see in September. Run at least 1 half marathon next year, maybe 2; and a full marathon in 2014.
I also have future plans. A trip to California to visit friends. A trip to Ireland and the UK in 2015 (which I should perhaps remind my friend as it seems to be approaching quicker than I expected). A trip to Machu Picchu in Peru, a lifelong dream. Working at a job for several years to build my employment history. Volunteer or be involved in some way with the Irish Fair of MN - I really enjoyed being involved in '11 and can't wait for next year!
And there's the long-term-future plans. This most likely includes being abroad for an extended period of time again, much to my mother's (and whole family's) chagrin. Potentially buying a house (this should probably come before the time abroad, right?).
My point is, this eye on my future helps keep me grounded in the present. In this way I can enjoy each day for what it is and also know that tomorrow will bring me where I need to be. :)
