Life is this intricate tapestry filled with many roads that ultimately take unique twists and turns. We aren’t always sure why the Journey took that crazy turn nor are we prepared for most of them but we end up adjusting to these unexpected turns as we navigate through life. Some of the experiences are good, some bad, some straight up hellish, some are eventful and useful, and a majority are not worthy of noting. Rest assured, there is always a reason for them.
My life has not been a fairytale story by any means. By fairy tale I mean the one where boy meets girl in a perfect environment (like college) they fall deeply in love, buy a home, they have 2.5 children that eventually grow up and go off to Dartmouth and the husband and wife hold hands and reflect beautifully on their perfect life and children waiting patiently for grandchildren.
NOT my life! Not even a little and I am ok with that.
My life has been crazy in more ways than I can tell you. I can honestly say there were moments where I questioned my sanity as well as my decision making and I often wonder how I survived a lot of my experiences. There are moments where I look back and think, wow, I could have died at that moment or why I wasn’t scared? Hence my deep dive into Spirituality and Buddhism. I truly believe I belong here and am slowly learning my purpose.
In any event, I was fearless..and desperately wanted experiences. I would hop on a train and travel 28 hours away knowing no one was there to get me when I got off the train and having no real plan once the train stopped. When I met my first husband, I knew him three weeks and moved to Florida with him, without a second thought. We lived in an all male dorm (he snuck me in), I shared a bathroom with 20+ men from all over the world (so gross) and barely knew my new boyfriend. As much as I look back and think…what was I thinking, my next thought it….I am so grateful for that amazing experience.
Today, I am 45 and am fearful. I know too much now. I respect my life in a much different way than I did before. Maybe maturity changes because but I am much more thoughtful when making life choices as I understand that I have much to lose by making bad decisions.
This is the second half of my life and although I want to have more good stories, I want them to be healthier ones.
It is now that I look back and think without these stories….what do we have? Without the crazy “I survived ______” stories or the dreadful dating stories, and the stories of the tough years and financial comebacks, what do we tell when we get older?
I always say…when I am sitting in the nursing home reciting tales of my crazy life I will have some pretty incredible stories to tell. Stories of love and loss, recklessness, bad choices, great choices, good and bad moments, the people the experiences, even the smells and the sounds….this is really all we have, isn’t it?
So when you go on that bad date or you experience a crazy situation or hurdle through a tough time or significant loss know that this is all part of your story! Not only are you supposed to learn a lesson from it…you have a very cool story to tell. Stories of recovery, triumph, loss, happiness, sadness, grief and of course funny and happy stories.
Never settle for mediocre, never take the easy road, do something that makes you feel alive and always tell your story with passion.
Namaste’
http://www.aveshaempower.com
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