How do I envision my life?

Being far from home, I find myself reflecting from time to time on my path and future. I have had countless ideas over the years of different careers I might pursue or adventures I might set out on. But when I speak of envisioning my life (whether near or distant in time) I mean something other than choosing a career or planning a specific goal. I mean, rather, creating a mental picture of the kind of life I want to live--its style and texture; its values and priorities. I always assumed I would eventually have to choose some path; this choice would be the event that would set my life in a new direction and determine the shape of my future. But recently I've shifted my focus to creating a vision. The choices, I imagine, will conform to the shape of the vision. This shift has not been something intentional. But by journaling about it and choosing to share it,  I make it more so.

Recently, I've envisioned myself living a life close to family and friends; a simple life with few attachments; a life close to nature. I've pictured myself spending valuable periods of time with Fiona, talking with her, listening to her, playing with her. (Fiona is my 1-year-old niece.) I've seen myself spending time with the rest of my family, both immediate and extended--being there for them, having conversations with them about times past, present, and future, and about things of concern. I've pictured myself traveling to Kansas to visit Jen and Tom, and perhaps to Arizona to get a sense of my grandfather's roots, and to visit Elton, and Uncle Paul and Aunt Mae and family.

With all the difficulties and challenges of raising a family--especially the financial burden--there are too few people with time to spare for others, except perhaps grandparents; but we need young people too, with fresher views of life, to share the moral burden of raising a community. This is especially important for the little ones so in need of attention and good influences.

Perhaps I could be one of those people. Also, and importantly, with few attachments I could afford to take time for travel and self-cultivation. This would be of value not only to myself, but it would increase the value I could bring to encounters with loved ones. There are a few things I would have to give up, to be sure, but perhaps a lot more to be gained?

This is the vision I have. Of specifics, such as when, how, etc., I have yet no idea. And of course it may evolve. But it is a start.