Thoughts from Mt. Soerak-San

I should warn you... This is a long one.
I always learn something when I travel. Not just the things one would expect to learn, either. I mean, yes, I've learned quite a bit about Korean culture, but that is really just the icing on the cake. I've learned a bit about myself and life in general. I tend to view life as a very linear process of chasing goals, reaching goals, setting new goals and starting all over. These goals aren't necessarily steps in a row leading up to a culminating accomplishment, but more often lots of little accomplishments... hence, the goal cycle. However, they do seem to be more about me and the advancement of me than the advancement of others or even enrichment through the journey. That really saddens me. After all, I believe that wound around the core of it all should be just that: relationship and the journey through life. Perhaps I am ready to reconsider the shape of my life. Perhaps it is possible to have a job that not only pays the rent and allows you to fulfill part of your life-mission, but also gives you the flexibility to enjoy the journey a bit more.
This mini-epiphany also affects the way I approach romantic relationships. I know I don't often broach the subject on here, but this just wants to come pouring it out so here it is. Maybe I'm too linear in those relationships, too. In the past, I've frequently met a guy, dated a guy, evaluated whether or not I would be willing to spend my life with said guy and then promptly ditched him. I feel this incredible social pressure to "hurry up and find someone", but you know what? My life doesn't have to look like everyone else's. I need to stop planning my life for optimal marrying potential and plan my life for optimal growth and relational potential. And, if that means that I spend time traveling or living in places that are curious to me rather than remaining in my safe space waiting for the supposed "right life" to happen to me, then so be it.
So, what's the moral of the story? The mountain air has caused me to consider viewing my life from a slightly different angle. Hmm... we'll see what comes of it. Also, pictures of the gorgeous mountainscape coming soon.