Choose your OWN adventure
I remember as a kid loving the "choose your own adventure" novels. There was something magical about being presented with amazing options and having the freedom to decide what path to take. In a lot of ways, I feel as though my life has become my very own "choose your own adventure" story. Life presents many options and we do not live in a "one size fits all" society, although sometimes external pressures may make it feel as if we do. I have followed "typical" society patterns in my life and have also overcome nearly impossible challenges and emerged with grace and strength. I feel as if I have already lived a full life, yet at the same time feel like a young adult starting all over again. That's the beauty of life - there are opportunities to start over and make your life what YOU want it to be.
It takes a certain amount of faith to truly let go of societal pressures to conform to the norm and allow yourself the freedom to truly imagine your life as an open book....where you hold the pen and have the ability to write your own story. Not everyone's story is the same, and life is more enriching because of that. Each of us is truly unique based on the combination of our personal experiences and life is most fulfilling when you find the path that is most conducive to you. For me, personally, that idea has changed as I have taken the time to rediscover myself and my passions. And my idea of a happy life is no longer singular, but includes several options that could be equally as fulfilling, but in very different ways.
It has taken me a little while to allow myself to surrender the idea of what my life needs to be in order to be fulfilled and instead be open to the possiblity of multiple adventures and endings that can help me leave my mark on the world in my own special way. I am not sure yet just how that path will lead, but I do know that I am enjoying the ride and for now cherishing the new friendships I am developing along the way. I feel incredibly blessed that I have the ability to start fresh in my life and am thankful that I am willing to take the road less travelled! Cheers to choosing YOUR own adventure and finding happiness and adventure in your life! Carpe Diem!
