Looking forward to the future and focusing on the now

     The future is a complicated thing. It usually doesn't turn out like we though it would. Sometimes the future can be so exciting and sometimes it just scares the crap out of me. Sometimes I get so caught up in thinking about the future that I forget to live in the now. With the onset of summer fast approaching, I find myself in this situation. Lately I've been focusing on the near future a lot. I've been planning my work for the summer, preparing for volunteer opportunities, and registering for fall classes. Through all this, I've kindof forgotten how great my life is now. Not that I shouldn't be excited for the great things in store for this summer, but I need to remember how good I've got it now. I have some great friends and roommates, I love school, and I have a job that allows me to do all of this. The thing I'll miss most this summer is all the great friends that I've met this year. Sometimes it's just nice to take a step back, stop all the planning, and just appreciate how wonderful life is.
     That being said, there are times when a girl has to focus on her future. I mean, if I didn't plan, I'd be pretty much screwed when school gets out in three weeks. I have the near future all figured out. This summer I'll be working at the same vet clinic from last summer, volunteering at a therapeutic riding center, and hanging out with my friends and family as much as possible. I've already registered for fall classes and I have the rest of my undergrad scheduled so I will graduate with my bachelors in fall 2012. It's the far future that gets really fuzzy. I was asked today "what are your plans after graduation?". My answer? I don't know. A few months ago I would have told you that I'm applying for vet school this summer, will hopefully get in for fall of 2012, and live happily ever after. But lately, I just don't know. I've realized that it's ok not to know exactly what your plans are. Not that I don't have dreams or goals or things I want to accomplish in life (trust me, I do), I just don't want plan everything too much. I want to leave room in my future for the wonderful things that God has in store for me. I don't know exactly what life is going to throw at me, but as long as I listen to Him and do what he wants me to do, I know my future will be wonderful. Sometimes it's just hard to let go, and let God take care of things. But I know that it'll be worth it!

     Sincerely,
               Me