Аl, thank you! such kind and wise words have really made me think about my situation and feel so much better. It has eased some of my worry about finding happiness and where I am in life.

Amy, to be quite honest I am not entirely sure. Sometimes I believe it is and sometimes I believe it is not. I am afraid it is a question of courage, because I feel the need to be what is considered in society as an “intellectual” and that pressure, I feel like, might cloud my vision of my future. I do often wonder if there is other areas I would find true happiness in. I also have considered taking some time off, but it causes me some anxiety. For some reason, I feel my internal ticking clock every second of the day, as if if I don’t hurry up and finish I will never get to. There is anxiety and pressure from somewhere I can not place about this time limit, and I just recently talked myself out of taking summer classes so I could at least have that break. I am trying to let myself consider a longer break, though.

Thank you for reminding me that I don’t have to stay in this place. I believe that is one of my major problems is forgetting that. I am truly grateful to you both