I have a little story for you….
I was reading something that provoked a memory of a very defining moment in my life about 8 or 9 years ago that I feel the need to share right now. The setting: Laying in bed, cosy and warm, my monkey brain was going a million miles a minute.
Hammering me with these thoughts, my monkey brain was saying: “Oh My Goodness, I’m going to be 90-something one day and be laying here in the EXACT same position wishing I took more risks”. And further, “how could I live a whole entire life always wondering what my life could be if I took a risk, if I did something that no one would expect, if I faced a fear and some difficult times”.
My thoughts continued to race:
- Would I be okay?
- Would I make it?
- Would people still love me? Nevermind love, would they like me?
- Would I have money?
- Would I grow old never knowing?
I cried for what seemed to be the whole entire night. Assuming these crazy thoughts would leave my head once the sunshine was peaking through my window in the morning, I fell asleep. But … guess what? To my dismay they returned yet again, the next night.
Was I going crazy? I had everything. I mean, really… how could I be questioning anything. I had the perfect scenario – two cars, sweet marketing job, lovely house, a great guy, 2 dogs, a cat. On the outside, everyone thought life was peachy keen. But on the inside I had this major knot growing bigger and bigger. It was so exciting, yet so incredibly frightening. It was like the best anticipation you’ve ever felt in your life, coupled with the most horrible dread and fear. I felt like 10 people were pulling my arm one direction to make me stay put, but 1000 people were pulling me the other direction.
So I began journalling my journey. I wrote and wrote and wrote the most non-sensical (or at least it seemed that way at the time) stuff, I wrote out my dreams of living with passion! Living with a lust for life that I had not yet experienced. I wanted it all, I wanted to change the world, I wanted to make a contribution bigger than myself, I wanted to help people be healthier.
But most of all, I wanted to be madly effortlessly in love with life.
I’ve had the joyous opportunity of knowing many people madly in love with life. One of them was sleeping right next to me. So I did it. I took the biggest risk of my life and I made some major life changes. And guess what? I have no regrets whatsoever.
Some people say everything happens for a reason. While this is sweet and nice, I disagree. You make things happen due to your choices. I know that when I’m 90 or 100 -something laying in my bed I won’t look back and wish I had taken more risks. I will continue to push myself as much as I possibly can, even when I’m uncomfortable.
Joyously follow your dreams, no matter how big they might be.
That’s all I wanted to share. I hope you enjoyed my little story : )
This story is great! Thanks for sharing! It’s always scary giving up the known for the unknown, but things usually work out great in the end…
I wish I knew what that looked like for me. I am not happy with my life but I don’t know how to change it. I don’t have passion for anything. My only purpose it seems is surviving. Just being able get through the day. I don’t like my job but it pays my money to live well. I’m good at it but not great. I don’t have a relationship and seem unable to be successful in that. All I have is two cats, my parents and friends. If this is a joke, I wish someone would let me in on it.
Dawn, thank you for your honesty. I didn’t know what my purpose was either for a long time. Just be patient and you will figure it out in time. Go with the flow, you are already on the right path.
Joy–love this post, and so timely! I am trying to make a big decision in my life–to go to massage school, a long-time dream of mine. There are many who try to talk me out of it, but I know in my heart the reasons why I believe in it. I love your advice, take a risk why don’t cha? Yeah!
Follow your heart and it will always lead you in the first direction. I hope you do follow your dream and go to massage school. Good luck!
ABSOLUTELY love this message!!!
Thanks so much for sharing your personal journey. I’m right where you were and need the encouragement you have provided. Life is too short not to be fully engaged and passionate. Please keep sharing!
Thanks for this! I have been thinking the exact same things the last while. It’s nice to know there r people out there who are feeling the same way.
Joy, I love your posts and your personal stories are always so genuine and from the heart.
Thank you!!
My pleasure. Thanks for reading!
LOVE LOVE LOVE today’s post!! I just started a new journey towards a new life and in my heart nothing has ever felt so right. I don’t know where this new path will take me and I’m terrified like never before but I’m loving every minute of it. First time in a long time I feel alive!!! Thank you for sharing!
Being terrified is a sign you are doing something good! I can’t wait to feature you on my blog Kinga! Next week
Stay tuned.
You are right on, Joy. It is scary stepping out on a limb and wondering if it will break! I know my husband and I did that about 11 years ago. Some things didn’t work out quite as planned, but in the long run, all has worked out well. Yes, follow your passion, take some chances and then when you are 90 or 110 you won’t have any regrets.
Thanks, Joy. I needed to hear this today.
love love love this entry.
Just wanted to let you know that your passion has helped me be a healthier person. Your blog posts and recipes teach me and keep me inspired. I feel healthy and alive and always look forward to your next post.
Thank you!