Oops – I see it did post my responses.

Your response was hilarious! Yes, perhaps I do have that little PG inside of me secretly directing all my feelings and aspirations!

But – it is not just validation seeking ex-Mormons who are seeking a better life.

It is not JUST that I want others to see my life and approve of it. When I say I’d like to have someone in my life I connect with and that brings out my best, I couldn’t care less if someone sees that relationship or not. A relationship like that makes me feel more alive and makes me happier to be ME.

Same with a job that fits me. It makes me feel alive and invigorated to do something that draws on my talents. It’s also easier for me to work if I enjoy the work I am doing. Yes, I would like to have a job that others will admire. But if I could find a job that I truly enjoy and that pays okay, I couldn’t care less what others think of that job.

So – I’m not sure I totally agree that I should completely throw out my perfect life or at least better life aspirations.

I just remembered that this is “Tiny Buddha.” I realize perhaps you are coming from the “desire is bad” viewpoint. That is the part of Buddhism I struggle with. I’ve tried it, but I think there is an emptiness if you have no aspirations or goals. Someone once said the key to happiness is always having something to look forward to. I kind of agree. Having goals is what gets us out the door to try new things. How would we ever grow without goals?

Tennessee Williams said, “Make journeys. Attempt them. There is nothing else.”

However, I guess I could say something like, “I love who I am and where I am, but I like the challenge and opportunities that come with attempting new things.”