“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Do you succumb to social pressures? I think we all do sometimes.
The topic I wanted to talk about in this post is the ability to pursue your dreams without being influenced by others. You know the folks I’m talking about. The friendly naysayer, the practical parent or sibling, or even a trusted mentor. Sometimes you just have to follow your gut and go for it. What’s life worth if you are constantly towing the line with society, your friends, or social pressure in general?
It took me a long time to learn this. I used to always be concerned with the type of car I drove, the size of my house, the clothes I wore, the restaurants I went to, or how many likes I get on my recent Facebook post. Yeah, I was one of those guys. The guy who was always worried about the Smiths, the Jones, or whatever pseudonym you want to use. I was that guy.
I have nothing against making a lot of money and sucking life dry. What I do have a problem with is the pursuit of things because of what people will say. It’s not worth it. Trust me.
Pursue the life you want. Chase after the dreams that are important to you. Who cares if no one has done what you want to do? Do it. Don’t be the guy or gal on their deathbed, wishing they would have done that thing they always wanted to. Do it. The only way you are going to find out if the path you choose is right is by walking it. Get out there and have an adventure.
Be the person in your family who starts a business, who decides to travel the world living frugally and with only what you have in your backpack, or writes that book you’ve got inside you. Go out to eat on your own and enjoy the company of strangers, sit in that coffee shop and write, go to that craft event and interact with the people running the booths. Whatever you decide to do is yours. No one else’s.
Life is a grand adventure. Your life is yours. You will get all you need to while you’re here. Take a risk, forge a new way to do something, ask that girl or guy out, go to that concert, or ride that roller coaster. Try new foods, listen to new types of music, explore a new genre of books or movies, you have nothing to lose, but the great experiences waiting for you.
Until next time…
Dave
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Daily Ramblings... 