So... when we are not consumed with wedding planning, then we are pretty much divulging ourselves in future planning. What are we doing? Where do we want to end up? The beauty of being young and without obligations allows us the advantage to contemplate life and take terrifying, yet exciting risks. After thorough discussion and planning, Cori and I made the decision to say good-bye to NY/CT and hello to California!
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| San Francisco, CA 2009: Golden Gate Bridge |
What is the American dream? Is it getting married to a
financially situated partner, owning a home with a white picket fence, raising
2.5 kids, and working a 9-5 at a job that doesn’t excite you, but the pay is
remarkable?
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| American Dream, Circa 1950s |
When I embarked on my college career I was convinced that I
wanted this cookie-cutter dream. I started out as a writing and literature
major, but eventually transferred to psychology and human services. Part of the
reason for my transfer was because I was overcoming an eating disorder and the
topic of psychology and addictions sparked my interest. The other part of the
reason was because I didn’t believe that I could chase the “American Dream”
with a writing career.
Fast-forward to the now… I graduated undergrad and graduate
school with a psychology degree, obtained my drug and alcohol license and a
career as a behavioral health therapist, traveled, moved out with my
girlfriend, and then I married her. So far, so good. The next step in my
10-year plan was to apply to PhD. Programs and obtain my doctorate in social psychology.
Or so I thought…
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| Embrace it. |
Am I passionate about psychology? Yes, but it is not my only
passion. I’m a creative person by nature and through a journey of
self-discovery I realized that I needed to incorporate creativity into my
career. I was accepted into a doctoral program for social psychology and I
found myself to be apathetic towards the news. While I have no regrets about my
choices in life, I had this unsettling feeling that I may regret spending 5
years engaging in something that didn’t excite me.
When I’m not focused on work I’m focused on my creative
outlets. I still love to write, as well as paint, act, and be crafty. I found a
school in San Francisco, California that teaches Expressive Art Therapy. Needless to say, I turned down the doctoral
program. I realized that I’ve been
chasing dreams that weren’t 100% mine because I wanted the “American Dream.” Now all I really want is to be happy with my
own dream… a dream that I can share with Cori who has been a superstar throughout my own personal odyssey of self-discovery. She has been my greatest strength, encouraging me to strive to my fullest potential without sacrificing personal happiness.
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| Undergraduate Graduation, Circa 2004 |
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| Graduate Graduation, Circa 2008 |
Cori and I have come to the conclusion that our version of the “American Dream” doesn’t involve a
husband, but rather a beautiful wife with a great career that makes her feel
alive. We happily live in a city apartment and will be looking for a permanent
place to call home within the next couple of years. Neither of us are a fan of white
picket fences, but we wouldn’t mind a stable and a fenced-in area to keep
horses. We are uncertain about having children, but we have adorable
fur-children who fill our hearts plenty. As for careers, we will be searching for new
employment opportunities with a focus on quality, not quantity. Cori loves working as a Trauma nurse and will
be looking to move ahead in her field, while I attend the 3 year Expressive
Arts Therapy/MFT program with the end goal of owning an independent practice
where I can utilize creativity in my therapeutic practices. Last, but certainly not least, we are going to
make travel a necessity of life.
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| Breakaway <3 |
With that being said... our next vacation will be a cross country road trip from the east coast to the west coast with the pups (flying that cat over once we get settled). Cori has done a phenomenal job planning our route in order to make sure we see many of America's greatest treasures. We would like to welcome you to share our journey as we pack up our lives and drive almost 3000 miles to the west coast where we will embark on new adventures as wife-and-wife!
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| Coming this autumn! |
