It is often funny to reflect upon the notions and beliefs we held in our youth. As long as I can remember I have been restless in spirit, the behavior of a man searching for meaning and comfort in the confusion of early adulthood. I have predicated a lifestyle around being good looking, educated, and successful; however upon introspection of such have often found my pursuits listless, leaving me further disconnected and perhaps emotionally distant. Hedonism is perhaps the apt term to which describe my venture of self-discovery.
The selfishness that resulted in consequence to this behavior disgusts me, however I have not at all been unhappy with it. With roughly two weeks remaining on island I thoroughly ready to embark on a new journey, a search for meaning in the heat and sand of Iraq. As my psyche is left to ponder the possibilities I feel little concern for myself but rather an increased focus on the welfare of my men; filled with renewed hope that I have made the right decision and will ultimately be justified in my professional decision as an Army Officer. It is clear to me now that I can change for the better and positively affect the world we live. Now eagerly awaiting the journey I am reminded of a poem once written by Mark Twain that describes my own personal aspirations of the upcoming deployment…
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did so. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”
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