Morning Edition

I'm trying something new. I'm trying to squeeze in a post before leaving for work. I've never done this before, mainly because I rarely have the time to sit down and write on my computer in the morning. But today I had plenty of time. After I got dressed, I had so much time that I was able to watch the second half of an episode of The West Wing to which I fell asleep last night. I've suddenly begun weaning myself from that show--well not entirely. But yesterday was the first day in a while that I went without watching any entire episodes. I had every intention on watching that episode last night and then going to bed, but I was just too tired.

The big thing on my mind lately is this notion of following one's heart. I think I will be thinking about this for quite some time. I have been in Elgin exactly six months to the day. I got here August 27, just before my birthday. I have roughly six months left, with lots more to do before I move out of this house and transition to where my heart is leading me. I've gotten a whole lot better at enjoying the moment and not worrying too much about the future but that doesn't preclude thinking about the future and dreaming a little. I can think about what I'd like to do after my year of service ends, but I won't decide until that time comes. 'Cause if there is one hard lesson that I've learned about plans (which is probably also a fact of life), it's that they change. What I'm thinking and dreaming and aspiring to be today may be completely different a few weeks or months from now--perhaps even a few days from now. I guess this is the time when I really need to dig deep. I need to look beneath the surface and get down to the root of myself. I need to concentrate on those things that have been with me for a long time, through thick and thin. I know they are there, somewhere in my heart. Now, I just need to be patient, listen, and learn to follow my heart.