Leaving Normal Behind.
I was listening to a podcast earlier today, and it got me to thinking. He was talking about a foundation he made called Leaving Normal Behind. While what he was talking about had nothing to do with what I thought it had to do with, it got me to thinking.
Society makes you believe that you have to follow a certain path in order to be successful. You grow up thinking that you must go to school, then to college, and finally go straight into work. Not any type of profession either, most likely a desk job. The thought of doing anything else was thought to set you up for failure.
While some people still think this certain way, and while it is not wrong by any means, it is not the only way to be happy and successful. We live in such an amazing world, it’s crazy to believe that there is only one way to be “normal”.
I have been blessed in the fact that my family have never forced me to go down any certain path. I have never been forced to fit into a mold. I have switched what I wanted to do with my life at least a dozen times, from wanting to be a dentist (yes, I actually wanted to be a dentist when I was younger. They gave these cool sailor moon looking rings, and I thought if I was a dentist, I would get to keep all the rings to myself, aha) to being a fashion designer. Each and every time my family has been extremely supportive. The same could be said about each of my siblings.
I graduated school back in May, and while I was expected to find this super fancy desk job, I decided not to do that. I decided to invest in what is making me happy, traveling and blogging! I have to admit that it is an uncomfortable moment whenever someone asks me what I’m doing with my life. They have this awkward look on their face, followed by an “ohh, that’s cool…”. They make me feel as if I’m somehow less of a person, because I went to college, and didn’t get a job in the profession I studied in.
The truth of the matter is that I’m not following any set plan. While that used to frighten me, I have to say it’s actually a bit reliving in the sense that I’m doing what makes ME happy. I’m leaving the idea of what should be normal behind. I was extremely stressed the first few months after graduating, I am happy to say that I no longer feel that way.
Regardless what you want to do, you have to realize that you can achieve it. Don’t ever let anyone tell you that it isn’t possible. You want to do something in the creative field, you can do it. I mean, an opportunity might not fall right into your lap, but if you work hard, you can reach your goals.
Don’t ever feel like you don’t have a choice. It is your life. Don’t ever forget that.
Have a wonderful day/night. Sending you all love, strength, and positive vibes.
-Melina xxx
This is such a beautifully written blog post. I think we have so many programs and belief systems that we think once we get older we have a "path" to walk on - but when we start to become free thinkers and living for ourselves and not just to live up to someone else's expectations- we break free from "Normal".
I can't wait to read more of your posts!
xoxox
Amanda - http://www.ActivatedLiving.us/blog
I really wish I had the courage to quit my rubbish office job that I hate and follow my dreams. But I'm scared of failure and I also have a house to run so I need a regular income. This is a great post though and good on you for doing this! 🙂
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this and comment. Maybe there are baby steps you can take in order to find true happiness? Another job you can work at that you would like more? I have faith that there is always steps that can be taken so you can live your best life. Best of luck xxx
The best thing is to follow your heart, your instincts, your inner voice, whatever you want to call it. Only you know what is right for you. And going to college is never a waste of time. Maybe,you won't used your diploma to get a job but you have learned a lot of and you will realize that later on your,life... do what feels good. What feels right.
Lots of love and Happy 2018
I completely agree! I loved going to college for the experience and the knowledge I learned while I was there. Thank you so much for the kind words. I appreciate them more than you know! Thanks for reading and commenting too! I hope you have a wonderful new year xxx
Not following a set plan is currently something that terrifies me too. I hope one day I will focus on just doing what makes me happy too!
Aleeha xXx
http://www.halesaaw.co.uk/
You have to realize that what one person does and succeeds at isn't the same thing that's going to work for you! Everyone has different strengths, weaknesses, and interests. Chase your dreams love, you won't regret it. Thanks so much for reading and for commenting! xx
I agree about following a creative path if that's your calling. I followed that road and I'm so happy I did. I think there's a voice inside you that says you have no choice.
I agree, I am so glad you commented! What do you do for a living?
I have been feeling so much better about all the decisions I've been making recently. You're right though. No matter how many ways I try to take my life one way, my life comes back to doing something creative. Thanks so much for reading and commenting love! Happy holidays xxx
I've been a creative writer for kids and adults throughout my career--for tv, digital stuff, newspaper columns, etc. The hardest part, professionally, has been deciding when to make creative compromises as I collaborate with someone who has hired me vs. standing firmly for what I believe should not be changed. For me, that can be hard at times, but being in the creative world every day is so worth it! Nice to know you virtually, and happy holidays!
Happy new years to you love ! can't wait to get you more throughout next year 🙂 xxx
It's refreshing and inspiring to read a creative, outside the box perspective on life and entrepreneurship rather than the more prevalent dogmatically proscribed creativity-restricting limitations of pigeonholed pseudo-normalcy. How dare anyone be creative outside of a structure where any new ideas are either not welcome or else instantly become the property of a sprawling corporate conglomerate? How dare anyone wear colourful outfits in the midst of a sea of grey flannel?
Thank you for the inspiration and the fresh perspective on life! I hope your year 2018 is filled with love, strength, positivity, serenity, health, courage, wealth, wisdom and happiness!
I have to say that I love a flannel more than the next person, but I don't think that there is only one set way to live life properly. Thank you so much for commenting and reading! I hope you have a very happy holidays! xxx
Love this encouraging post! Never let others make you feel bad for not following a cookie cutter life path, I think it's admirable to follow your dreams and see the world!
I think I've told you this but my parents were so dismayed when I went to Jazz guitar school. I had SO many people ask "what are you going to do with that!?" and I was like I don't know, but I'm figuring it out and it's an adventure! I was also accepted into immunology science at another university at the same time, but I never regretted not doing what was "smart".
Also that's adorable that you wanted to keep all the sailor moon rings to yourself! That's solid kid logic there 🙂
How do your parents feel now that some time has passed? I do remember you told me a while ago that you went to music school!
Thanks so much for commenting and and taking the time to read my post! I hope you have a wonderful christmas and christmas eve love xxx
They're thrilled with where I am now, I wound up working for a local TV station so now my Dad is all "oh, I knew you'd do well for yourself" (rolling my eyes) haha!
I hope you also had a wonderful Christmas!
lmfaoo, at least you proved everyone wrong!
Haha I guess so 😂
I needed to hear this today 🙂 it's so true that we are all expected to follow a certain path but sometimes that just doesn't work for everyone. Continue to do what makes you happy!
I'm so glad to hear this has helped you in some way! It was something that I was struggling a lot with a few months ago, so I hope this gives you some piece of mind. Thanks so much for reading and taking the time to comment. Means the world! Happy holidays xxx