I’ve sort of become an Emerson freak recently. He may even be my favorite poet/writer of the Transcendentalists (I don’t have many favorite writers). But in particular, his essay “Self Reliance” has given me great strength and motivation to plan some amazing initiatives for 2010 and execute “preliminary requirements” to those initiatives before the end of the year.

As I roast in the middle of finals and my brain feels the heat of the academic flame, I pull this quote from Emerson’s essay to describe my mantra for 2010:

“Great men have always done so, and confided themselves childlike to the genius of their age, betraying their perception that the absolutely trustworthy was seated at their heart, working through their hands, predominating in all their being. And we are now men, and must accept in the highest mind the same transcendent destiny; and not minors and invalids in a protected corner, not cowards fleeing before a revolution, but guides, redeemers, and benefactors, obeying the Almighty effort, and advancing on Chaos and the Dark.”- Ralph Waldo Emerson, Self Reliance

I’m very clear about what I expect from myself in 2010, and I must admit that I have put the standards high. But only you know your true potential, so I don’t doubt my ability or grace to balance my goals and have a completed check list by December 31, 2010. Nevertheless, as 2009 comes to an end, I am excited about finishing a successful semester, completing my senior thesis (I’ll be editing it more in the Spring for publication), traveling across Europe, learning Spanish, and finally getting to see Egypt (December 19th is so close!!!!!)

I plan to do another post to release any last sentiments about 2009 before I board my flight to Cairo. I don’t want to be connected to the technology world while I’m traveling and plan to use Egypt as a meditative space for transitioning to 2010 and all of the responsibilities that come with it.

It’s 2:38am, I’m going to bed.

Hope you’re completing your “end of the year prep” like I am.

Much love,

Ari

(I figured that I’d bless you with an iPhoto on my NEW MACBOOK PRO!!!!!!!!!! it’s so sexy lol)