As we start to redefine our roles as Peace Corps volunteers, we begin to realize that making personal goals for ourselves can help us feel fulfilled about our service. One friend of mine suggested that I make a list of things I want to accomplish while I am here. That way, if projects fail (which they inevitably will) and I start feeling like "I'm not doing anything," I can be happy that I have completed personal goals of my own.
Sometimes we feel as if our work skills are not being improved. Of course this is a life changing experience on many levels, but if we are not actively working on projects, we can sometimes feel that the skills we acquired through schooling and past jobs are waning. Part of this list is my attempt to make sure that I feel like I am developing myself in all aspects while I am here.
My goals fall into two lists--general things I want to do during service, and things I want to do weekly. Of course, I will continue to add to this as time goes on. I will also update it as I complete things.
WEEKLY:
Do yoga at least once a week
Go to the gym at least once a week
Write in my journal at least three times per week
Interact with kids at a school at least once a week
Meditate/do yoga/exercise everyday
OVERALL:
Read the Koran (Qur'an) cover-to-cover
Lie on the beaches of Mozambique
See Victoria Falls
Raft the Zambezi River
Do a game drive and see animals (DONE OCTOBER 2011)
Go clubbing in Cape Town (DONE DECEMBER 2011)
Take at least one backpacking trip
See Kasane
See Maun
See Ghanzi
See the Delta
Be approachable and available if people want help/counseling etc.
Be honest - don't make promises I can't keep
Complete some online USAID accreditations
Read educational books you can find at the library about counseling and mother/child healthcare