You only get one life to live. This seems obvious, but at the same time, we often let this fact slip our minds, especially when we allow other people to dictate how we live it.
It’s important that you understand what you truly want in life. It’s not a simple process. Since we are little, we are conditioned to think and behave in specific ways, as well as to desire certain things.
There are things that are socially acceptable to desire: career success (in certain fields), objects, a lifestyle, and so on. Others are not so acceptable, and we might need time to recognize what we want if it doesn’t align with our social conditioning.
For example, some professions might be considered more prestigious and ambitious than others. If you want to be an artist or a teacher or do manual labor, there can be a lot of pressure to go elsewhere. You need to explore even the options that are not as allowed socially.
You get to live life on your own terms. But you need to decide to do this.
You can’t get back the time you spend following other people’s ideals, values, and expectations. The pay-off for that is also not as good as it seems. All you will get is the approval of some people and the indifference of others. Is that worth sacrificing your true desires, needs, and wishes?
If you truly want something, achieving it will give your life meaning and help you feel fulfilled. Following the expectations other people and society impose is more likely to leave you feeling empty and full of regrets over the choices you have made.
You can always make changes in your life. However, there is no way to get back the time you invest into things that don’t truly matter to you. Consider what you truly want to have in your life right now.
It’s not always easy to distinguish what you actually want from what you believe you should want. Ask yourself: would you still pursue this goal if nobody else in your life expected you to? Are you eager to give it up or be done with it? Are you enjoying the process as much as the goal? Are you satisfied with how you spend your time?
Remember that your life is yours. Make your own choices to experience true happiness.
