This post is a little different to ones I normally do. Usually I am writing about my travels/travel wishlist, languages, Youtube recommendations, etc. I love writing articles that provide entertainment, motivation and/or value. However, if you asked me years ago when I was younger what I thought a “blog” was my answer would’ve resembled something like an online diary. A place to talk about yourself, your experiences/feelings, etc.
While that form of blogging is farm from dead, it definitely isn’t the major form anymore. More and more people enjoy not only including personal tidbits, anecdotes and experiences in their blog. But also they provide guides for their readers, info on how to start a business, etc. Things that are a tad less “personal.” I definitely think both ends of the spectrum are needed. Which is why I wanted to share my thoughts about being open to life.
If you’re interested in hearing my thoughts about this, please, keep reading.
Life Doesn’t Wait
Have you ever felt like there just wasn’t enough time? In the day, in the year, in life? Well, I definitely have, and from a young age too. So I’ve always had this nagging thought at the back of my head that I need to take charge and live life to the fullest. In 2018 I don’t think I did that. At least not for the first half. I think I waited for life to happen, or not happen. I was rolling with whatever was thrown my way. Regardless of whether I felt it was the right path for me.
That changed during the summer. It was a tough time. I realized I needed to take a step back from things and figure out… well, my life. To be frank, it wasn’t easy, and it still isn’t. However I realized I couldn’t idly sit back and let my life happen to me. I couldn’t be a backseat driver in the ride of my life. Because I only get one shot at this.
So, I encourage YOU…
you reading this, to take control of your life. Your destiny. I am aware how insanely cheesy this sounds. But if you are in a situation that doesn’t make you happy or won’t lead you to a place of happiness, get out of it. You should be excited about the future. To the possibilities. The experiences. To wake up and not feel at peace to where you’re life is heading is a horrible feeling. I know because I felt it.
Don’t go through the motions. Staying at a job you hate is just dumb. The average person spends a little over 13 YEARS of their life working. Do you want to look back on your life and realize you spent that much time looking at the clock and hating getting up 5 days a week? I am not going to say something cliché and privileged such as “just find something your pAsSiOnAtE about <3.”
Although I DO agree that you should try to find something that “sets your soul on fire” (another cliché motivational quote), I also realize it’s not that black and white for everyone. Some people can’t just up and quit their jobs. But I do think you can START doing something. Right now. Today. You can start researching to start that side business today. What about purchasing that domain name to start your blog? Do that now. Or how about joining that volunteer group that can give you something to work on that excites you?
The Possibilities are Endless
If I’m going to be frank I think many people make excuses as to why they can’t pursue the life they want. Notice my word choice: pursue. Most people want to be millionaires, but it’s harder said than done. But too many people don’t even TRY to do what they think can lead them there. They make excuses about not having enough time, but spend hours watching TV every night. Or excuses about not having enough money, but drop hundreds on alcohol and partying every month.
Life is filled with choices. And with possibilities. You have to recognize the possibilities, yes. But also, you need to act on those possibilities. This goes back to my point on taking an active role in your life. Don’t settle. Do not accept that because you’re life currently looks one way that it always has to look that way. Many people complain about hating their job and getting up everyday. Just because many people have this attitude towards their profession/job doesn’t mean I should or that I should accept that as how it’ll be.
Because there’s also people who LOVE their job. There are people who get out of the debt they’re in. People who start successful businesses. Those who travel the world. The possibilities are endless.
Life Doesn’t Wait, But It Does Reward
Look, I don’t have it all figured out. In fact, far from it. At the moment I’m writing this post I have no apartment, don’t know what the next 6 months will look like and in all, I’m kind of lost. So perhaps you’re wondering how sure I can be that life rewards you. I don’t have a 6-figure business, I am not traveling the world, and I’m not the happiest. Even at times my trust in this sentiment is tested.
But if I look deeper I can see the small ways that life has rewarded me for taking an active role in my life and for being more open to opportunities and to myself. Sometimes we try to focus on just the big things that we don’t see the smaller successes in life. Here are a few of my small successes that have resulted from being more open to life:
- Improved my language skills, which has opened up job opportunities.
- Pursued a dream of mine of living abroad. A dream I’ve had since elementary school.
- Removed myself from a few toxic environments that brought my mood down and affected my happiness.
- Became more independent.
- Started working on a few ventures I’ve been too hesitant to start in the past.
- Obtained a job that can potentially help me nab my next desired job.
These are just a few that came to mind. I’m sure through reflection you’ll find ways life rewarded you. Big or small. Call it law of attraction. Call it fate. Who knows? But sometimes life is preparing us for big rewards with a series of small rewards. So while a reward of about $100,000 would be greatly appreciated, I am grateful for the lessons I’ve learned from making changes.
So, that’s pretty much it. The latter part of 2018 I was more open to life and what it could do for me. It had challenges and lows. Yet, I came out standing. Above all, I was open to the possibilities available to me to start being happier, more fulfilled and that will put me on the path to where I want to be. None of this happened by being comfortable. In fact, I’m pretty uncomfortable right now. But I’d much rather be uncomfortable with the possibility of fulfillment to be comfortable and not excited about my life. I wanted to end with a quote I found online:
When you replace “why is this happening to me” with “what is this teaching me?” … everything shifts
Unknown
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