Friday 17 February 2017

February 17, 2017 Chautauqua




Beth's Ponderings

   Whose life are you currently living?  You might be surprised at the answer when you take the time to stop and think about it.

   If you said you are living your own life, you might want to think again.

   For example, if you have ever made choices to make someone proud of you, then you aren’t living your own life, you are living theirs.  People in our lives are either proud of us, or they aren’t.  If they are, it is because of who we ARE inside, not because of what we do, or other externals.  And, if they aren’t proud of us, well, chances are pretty darn good that nothing we do will change that, and it’s their loss.

   Or, have you ever said that you chose to go into a certain career, or reach a certain milestone, or obtained something because someone in your family wasn’t unable to?  Guess what?  That means you are living their life and dreams, not your own.  While there is nothing wrong at all by being inspired by the actions and dreams of another, too many of us adopt those dreams and aspirations without even considering if they are the right fit for us, and often, they are quite ill-fitting as we don’t have the same qualities or desires necessary for successfully obtaining them.

   Have you ever gone with the flow of society into a lifestyle or career path because everyone else did.  Just because it seems to work for others, doesn't automatically mean that it works for everyone.  We are all unique in viewpoint, needs, talents, and skills, and what makes us unique is needed in the world, provided we don’t let life conform us to some cookie-cutter ideal.

   We think we are living out our own dreams and life, but rarely are we.  There are just too many outside influences drowning out our own inner wisdom and guidance.  

   So, how do you know when you are living your own life and not another's.  Simple...do you feel happy most of the time?  Is your life simple and easy for the most part?  If so, you’re on the right track.  If not, reassess whose life you are living.

   We only get one chance at this particular life, so why not live your own dreams?

Beth


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