My List

I’m not sure where or when I first came up with this list of goals, but I have only modified it slightly over the years. I’m pleased that at 52 years old, I have accomplished most of them.

Own a new car that you like (I had a VW Beetle for 17 years)

Graduate from college (I have two degrees, and I value both of them)

Get a good job (I have been a teacher for about 20 years)

Get married (I have been married about 23 years)

Have two kids that turn out well (so far, so good)

Build my own house (I helped build the addition to my house. I would still like to build a solar home, but that isn’t critical anymore)

Play a musical instrument (I used to play the guitar, a little)

Write a book (A publisher turned me down, so I self-published)

I am not writing this to brag. I am writing this to let you understand how I could die today, and still die happy (see 24 hours). I am also writing this, as an example of what one person thinks is important to accomplish in his life. Your list should be different, but many of the items should also be the same (see Why We Are Here). I want to point out that “Get rich” is not on the list. If you put that on your list, more than likely you will never obtain happiness (see Happiness). Also realize that these are not explicit goals where I must do them to be happy. You cannot just marry anyone and expect to be happy (see Love). In the same way, you cannot rush or force any of these goals, as each will unfold like the petals of a rose. All you can do is plant the vine, water and fertilize it, leaves and buds will grow, and slowly the rose will bloom in its own time.