Priorities

Currently I'm reading, among several other books, "Negotiating Life: Secrets for Everyday Diplomacy and Deal Making", by Jeswald Salacuse.  I learned of this book through Tufts Now, our online magazine.  http://now.tufts.edu/articles/don-t-put-your-dukes

Normally, I don't believe this would have garnered my attention, however, after many job interviews, with zip-zero results, I'm hoping to find some kind of  nugget that brings some clarity as to why I'm unable to move forward in life.  And when I say "life", I mean finally feeling a sense of long-term security, realizing that so much is out of our control, but still, just a sense of inner peace.

The first order of business is to state what my priorities are, so here goes for all the world to see, or at least, the 1 or 2 of you who stumble across my blog.

1) To find peace of mind. See #2 and #3. I'm rather sure that this priority should instead be to "just let go and let God", but so far that's not happening, so I can't afford to sit back and be hopeful that all will somehow magically work itself out without any effort on my part.

2)  For Roger to retire, or at least semi-retire at age 65.  After writing this, I see now that this priority requires sub-priorities which I believe to be:
      - a job for me that provides for us both
      - a very affordable mortgage
      - little ongoing debt obligations, other than car payments and mortgage
      - Roger finds a part-time job that he enjoys!

3)  To be deemed as successful in my work.  Not rule the world, but to be recognized as a valued employee worthy of promoting and entrusting me with grander and broader responsibilities that pave the way for the future.  Yes, even at 53 I still have career aspirations.

4)  To continue saving money, while still having a good time going out and traveling about.

5)  To keep Roger as healthy and worry-free as possible.

6)  To be grateful for all I have in Roger and what we've accomplished as a couple in being together and a life of entrusting one another with our happiness.  Yes, I know this should be #1, however, I'm being completely honest.

7)  To not deny what my gut instinct is telling me, especially when it is clearly saying, "this is NOT a good idea".  I'm not sure that this qualifies as a priority, but instead a goal that I need to shoot for.