That question has been posed to me so many times and quite honestly I have yet to formulate a clear cut answer. However, it seems my default response is always, “I just want to be happy”. I mean, that’s pretty reasonable right? I think at our core, everyone wants to be happy. That seems to be the common denominator in life’s seemingly endless equation.
Now the tricky part is knowing what makes us happy and then actually doing it. For some this may not be an issue at all. I have met people that have such drive and energy for what they do, that it appears too easy. It seems almost unfair that they’ve discovered some secret to one of life’s mysteries. Like they know exactly what to do to get what they want out of life.
Then I look at my scenario, and I think to myself what am I doing wrong? As I let that thought marinate, I really take the time to reflect on what is currently going on in my life and what I would like to see happen. I find myself on a mental journey, navigating through all the possibilities, through all the ideas, all the what if’s and maybe’s. And then I see it. Off in the distance that thing that is holding me back, that makes me doubt if I’m good enough, if I’m smart enough, if I can actually follow through, that thing that keeps getting in my way, is ME. And that is where the change needs to occur. Each day is going to bring a new challenge and that is when I have to decide whether I face it head on, or do I stand down and allow myself to be overcome by doubt. It is with this realization, that I am making the conscious effort not to stand in my own way.
As this applies to me, it can apply to anyone that as ever had a dream or passion and just too scared to pursue it. Our biggest obstacle is not actually failing; it’s the thought of failure that deters us from trying. I’m on the pursuit of happiness and I’m not giving up. Are you?
by Lisa Castro
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