Good evening all,

Thanks for all of your responses and advice. There are a lot of things that resonate with me, few that do not, and one opinion that is actually more constructive than the poster may have intended. I will exam all of them.

Caroline. Congratulations on graduate school! That is quite the accomplishment! I’ve got several friends going through such an undertaking and it’s not joke. But I’ll bet that if you believe in your abilities, you’ll be able to go much further than you think, despite your confusion and fear! If you’ve had a chance to read AikiBen’s post, I would highly recommend it. It’s rather inspiring. You’ve got that same curiosity and an understanding that there is something else out there to discover (as there always seems to be). You’ve just got to keep chipping away. I like that notion and I hope that it brings you closer to what you seek in this life.

Line. I appreciate your advice and your struggle. Making decisions can be very difficult sometimes and also quite frightening. A year ago, I wouldn’t have even considered studying abroad in China. Now I am less than a month away from being there. I feel that this experience will help with crossing boundaries and taking more risks in my life in the future. It’s always hard to get outside of your comfort zone. But I am finding that the more you do so, the more comfortable you become with who you are. It is a great feeling and I want to share this new, happier me with the world. I hope for both of us that we can further that aspect of inner growth and comfortability and continue to bring joy to others.

Will. I know it seems like my post may come across as a little grandiose, though that was not my intent. I appreciate your advice to go out and explore the world. I actually really liked the idea of becoming a monk. That has actually been something I’ve considered doing for the past year. Same with a martial arts school. Bring learning, discipline, and compassion to students. But that sort of plays back on the whole indecisiveness. Again, I hope the China trip will open my eyes and bring courage and purpose to the decisions I make in the future.

Inky (nice name=D). The idea of an adventure has been close to my heart for a while, now. I’d definitely like to visit New Zealand, explore the world. Live in underdeveloped countries and learn as much as I can from these places. And who knows, maybe I will end up in grad school and continue my studies. But I feel like that have to come after that time of wandering. After I’ve chipped away at whatever meaning I’m searching for. Thank you, Inky, your suggestions are worthy of consideration and assimilation into my thoughts!

Martina. Your enthusiasm is very inspiring and I enjoy your introspective questions! I’ll definitely set aside some time and figure out some of these things. As for the Myers-Briggs test, I have taken it many times. I’ve gotten a slough of different results and I can relate to more than one of the personality types. Most of my results put me in the middle of the E and I, the F and T, and the P and J. The N is the only aspect that seems to be consistently strong and is dominant over my S. I respect the idea of Myers-Briggs and I thought that it would have brought me closer to understanding myself, but I no longer think it can be used as an accurate basis for my personality type. It becomes more confusing for me when I try to type myself since I can relate to several types. Nonetheless, I thank you for your advice!

AikiBen. Your post was incredibly inspiring and enlightening. It makes sense to me that that would be the best route for me to take as I move forward in life. To chip away slowly at this enduring question of self-actualization. I take your words to heart when you call upon me to keep the light burning and not ignore this yearning to grow ever greater. To help those around me and take all things, successes and failures, as learning experiences for future decisions. I will try harder to follow my feelings and act upon them in the most positive way I can. Thank you for reading and sharing your own wisdom for all.

Bar. I’m sorry you see my post the way you do. I get that some of the things in my post might have come across as vain, selfish, or ungrateful. I was a rich, spoiled kid. But I found out that money isn’t everything, and it sounds (to me at least) that you think money is a fix all (correct me if I’m wrong). And to say that I have no moral compass without knowing me. That is a rather unfair assessment of my character. I have a set of values that I hold quite high, and I strive to maintain a humble demeanor and maintain the integrity I have established within myself over the years. I posted on these boards BECAUSE I am looking to improve myself. I want to change the world for the better. I don’t see how that comes as selfish. When our forefathers and mothers who came before us, men and women of science, technology, wisdom, courage, freedom, liberty, compassion. Those who wanted to change the world, as I do. People laughed at them. Stood in their way and told them that they couldn’t do it. But united they stood, and united they made progress. Even over the course of decades or centuries. Would you bring down those who seek a better world, or would you seek to stand beside them. Hell, maybe you might also have a cause you wish to stand for. Would you want someone to bring you down?

I thank you all for your thoughts and ideas. Your questions and criticism. It has given me faith and a lot to ponder. New perspective to explore and much to consider moving forward. If any of you ever need any help or advice. Feel free to contact me and i will help to the best of my abilities! Again, I thank you all and wish you all well!

• This reply was modified 9 years ago by Christopher Joseph Meigs.