Sometimes I need to take a few moments to recenter and refocus on what is most important to me. Here is my vision for the near future:

I will build a deep core of peace and compassion. I would like to move through life with quiet confidence. I believe I can accomplish this by training myself to be kind to others and to myself, and by studying relevant wisdom literature, and by establishing a firm vision. I think that I can also build confidence on the blocks of small and great successes. I want to be my own strength and validation���I���ll still enjoy what I receive from others, but I will no longer depend on this.

I will have a deep and abiding compassionate relationship with each member of my family. I know that this requires a heavy investment in my family. I want to be available for them emotionally and physically���to show them that they are valued by how I listen to them, what I do for them, and what I say about them. Each member of my family is beautiful and has awesome potential–I want them to be well on their way to tapping into that beauty and power.

I will be a rising author and will publish a novel and/or non-fiction work and a bevy of essays and short stories. I have some raw talent with words and ideas. I want to transform the world and inspire a sense of awe and wonder though my creations. Writing is a Craft. The more time I spend acquiring the tools and honing my technique, the greater my power to affect the world through my carefully shaped narratives and word-paintings. I believe I can become a damn good writer if I get my ass in gear and stick to the task. I am helped here by wonderful mentors and cheerleaders who are awe-inspiring writers in their own right (esp. Jana and Holly).

I will get into a supportive and well-respected PhD program in religious studies. I will focus on and become an expert within one particular area within RS. Possible candidates include American religious history, Mormon studies, ritual and practice theory, and Japanese folk religions. I will also develop a technical reading fluency in Japanese and French. I can only accomplish this by developing a habit of academic reading and writing. I need to make it second nature to do this on my downtime, or I won���t get it done at all! I���m also going to make myself a scholar of the New Testament and Christian theology on the side.

I will continue to be a mentor and helper at work. I will be an accomplished web/database developer and graphic designer. By the time I leave UCI, I would like to leave behind a legacy of people and departments that I���ve helped with patient mentoring and my beautifully designed, carefully programmed solutions. I would also like to leave with a solid core of web programming and graphic design skills that I can apply to help myself and future clients. Also, I would like to build mindonfire.com into a small but thriving institution with consistent intelligent discussion and a loyal following.