As humans, I believe it’s in our nature to overthink, overanalyze and, in turn, overcomplicate. I have found myself doing this too often lately.
I’ve been thinking a lot about the future. What am I doing? Where am I going? Who the hell am I, really? I start to overwhelm myself with these thoughts and begin to feel stuck and worried, in typical Taurus fashion. I’m comfortable where I stand right now but I’m beginning to wonder if comfortable is enough. Does comfort equate to true happiness? Maybe for some people it does, however, I don’t think that’s the case for me. There are certain things about my life that are bothering me right now. It’s because these particular things are ordinary, and if you know anything about me, you know that I am not okay with ordinary. I am, and always have been, an overachiever. I’m in a constant battle with myself to be better. Not necessarily better than anyone else, but better than my present self. Always working toward some new goal. So I’m considering breaking out of my comfort zone and making some changes. These changes would mean steering away from stability and what I believe others are expecting of me. But that’s okay. I need to learn that standards don’t (or shouldn’t) exist. We shouldn’t have to live our lives based on societal expectations, right?
Yesterday’s New York Times Word of the Day was “timidity.” How relevant. This brought me back to thinking of something that my former boss (and now very dear friend) once said to me: “What would you do if fear didn’t stop you?” That question has always stuck with me and echoes in my head with each decision faced. I am petrified of making decisions but putting fear aside helps put things into perspective. I would suggest trying it. What are you so afraid of? There aren’t many things that are irreversible.
I’ve thrown other people’s opinions and my tendency to overthink things out the door for just a second in order to determine what it is that truly brings me joy. I’m fairly certain I’ve figured it out. So now I’m working on incorporating that happiness into my life in a different capacity than it’s current existence. I owe it to myself to enjoy every single day from the moment I wake up until the moment my head hits the pillow at night. The world would be a much more pleasant place if we all focused on that.
With that said I will leave you with this advice: Don’t overcomplicate your life. Get rid of those things that bring you down and invite those that bring you happiness. Because we are all much better people when we are happy. Keep it simple, stupid.
¡Besos!
emialv 
Believe the answer to your question may be a little bit easier if the American Dream still existed. Years ago, immigrants would come into this country because they wanted to achieve the dream, and provide their children, grandchildren, etc with a life they didn’t have.
That doesn’t exist anymore. We are in a tough economy. I think sometimes the fear stems from the possibility of not succeeding EVEN IF you put your heart and dedicate your life to something. How many college graduates (in fields they enjoy, such as teaching) are working at a bar to try and make money? I’ve thought many times about going back to school, for psychology, one of the few things I feel like I can make a difference doing, but it’s hard when the effort in this day and age really may not equate to being able to live comfortably.
Societal expectations are for society, not for you. You don’t need the reassurance of others to confirm a decision you made is good for you or not. It is about you.
You have a great head on your shoulders, and I have seen first hand how much you accomplish when you dedicate yourself to something.
I don’t mean to come off in a negative light, just throwing out the thoughts that go through my head when I think about this subject (which I do often).
Much love,
DK
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DK-
Thank you for your insight. Your thoughts are ALWAYS welcomed and appreciated. It makes me sad to think that people aren’t setting out to achieve more because they fear the outcome. Even knowing it’s what they really want. If everyone feared failure, no one would accomplish anything. I think the risk is worth taking. Then you can at least say you gave it a fair shot rather than wondering if it would have made a difference.
I am so happy to hear you say (or see you type, rather) that the approval of others is insignificant. More people need to come to terms with that (myself included).
I look forward to future thoughts from the intricate mind of DK 🙂
Much love.
Em
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I came across this quote the other day and think its pretty applicable to your point here….”Hope: its the only thing stronger than fear”. You’re right…not many things in this life are completely irreversible, and I think the more we remind ourselves of that, the easier it will be to make decisions (or just go for it)! Te Amo ❤
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“Just go for it.” Hope will always overcome fear.
Love you, corazon.
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You are Fucking brilliant!!!!!!!!! I love your post 🙂
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Em, this is why we’re friends!!! I’ve been going through the same stuff lately (quarter life crisis…?), I completely relate. I often find myself pushing myself toward so many goals (and “what’s next mentality”) that I lose track of enjoying the moment. I found this article really interesting recently: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/26/technology/cutting-the-digital-lifeline-and-finding-serenity.html?smid=tw-share&_rmoc.semityn.www.
Also, one phrase I’ve been trying to repeat over and over to myself (so much so that I tacked it up on my cube wall), is “Surround yourself only with people who are going to lift you higher.” I’m really trying to work on riding the negativity from my life (including my own! but it’s hard sometimes).
Anyways, I’m right there with you! ❤
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Thank you for sharing this article! I know the exact feeling the author is talking about. It’s so nice to disconnect and I am so guilty of NOT doing it.
We can all be negative at times. Just make sure it doesn’t begin to define you.
I hope your training is going well. Keep me updated! ❤
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