The older I get and the more experiences I have and relationships I develop, the more convinced I am that each individual’s purpose in life is to draw their own map. Throw out the recipe book, the paint-by-numbers kit, and anything anyone ever told you about who or what you should be—and chart your own course. 👍🏻
Think about it as… RETURN ON RELATIONSHIP with YOURSELF
It’s not easy—and it’s not comfortable. We are trained from birth to make safe, reliable choices. In school we are encouraged to conform and not to color outside the lines; in business we are comforted by “blueprints” and case studies, to-do lists; the media shows us how we should dress, where to vacation, and who we should emulate.
When we were kids we intuitively leaned in the direction of creation. Making mud pies, finger painting and exploring was a lot more satisfying than playing with a toy, wasn’t it? We were charting our own courses, creating something new, and finding out more about ourselves. In fact, kids can teach us a lot about the creative process (see my TedRubin.com post… Most Important Lessons We Can Learn from Children).
It’s the uncharted experiences, not the guided tours, which truly help us “create” ourselves. When we listen to the inner nudge to do something different and go in a way that intuition leads us—follow our dreams and desires rather than in someone else’s footsteps—those are the moments that define who we are and give us insight into how we can participate in the world around us. We shouldn’t lose sight of that… EVEN if that means alone time, or doing the same things over and over again because it brings you comfort and happiness.
So as you look ahead this year, instead of trying to “find yourself” by following what others have done, dust off one of the dreams you’ve kept locked away—one that makes your heart sing with anticipation—and just for fun, plot out a plan to make it happen.
Dreaming is an act of creation, and it’s the wellspring of innovation. So don’t stifle your inner creator; feed it, and open yourself to new possibilities. Day-to-day creation is easier now than ever before.
“Cherish your visions and your dreams, as they are the children of your soul; the blueprints of your ultimate achievements.” ~ Napoleon Hill
#FollowThePath
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