As we journey through life, we may find ourselves on a path that is not conventional and diverges from the norm. Life may lead us into unknown territory and choices that are a bit out of the ordinary. In this adventure of existence, we encounter a profound truth: the older we get, the more we realise that it’s perfectly acceptable to live a life that others may not comprehend.
Society often imposes rigid expectations upon us, dictating what constitutes success, happiness, and fulfilment. We’re pressured to follow predefined templates, conforming to conventional norms and benchmarks set by others. But as time passes and wisdom accumulates, we begin to understand that the pursuit of authenticity is far more rewarding than the pursuit of societal approval. Being you, being real and living how you want to live brings an inner peace that you will never understand when you are in your youth. We are influenced by so many things when we are younger. In my generation (80’s kids), we were expected to leave school, go to college or Uni, find a husband, get married, buy a house, have a career then have children. We are influenced by fashion, food, music and everything in between.
Living a life true to ourselves requires courage, the courage to defy expectations, chart our course, and embrace our unique journey, even if it diverts from the well-trodden path. It means listening to the whispers of our hearts and honouring our innermost desires, even when they contradict external judgments and opinions. Unless, of course, your innermost desires are illegal, then that’s a different story!
Life is about understanding that our worth isn’t determined by the validation of others. True fulfilment stems from aligning our actions with our values, passions, and purpose, irrespective of whether others understand or approve of our choices. I now know that having a purpose in life is what steers you in the right direction. What is your purpose?
In the pursuit of authenticity, we may encounter resistance, scepticism, and even criticism from those around us. But we must remember that their lack of understanding is a reflection of their limitations, not a commentary on the validity of our journey. When I was planning to hike the PCT, I had so many messages of support, but I also had many opinions thrown at me saying that they just didn’t understand why I was doing this. If people are not prepared to accept the real you, then it is ok to let them go. Trying to be someone you are not is exhausting and ends up burning you out mentally.
Living a life that others don’t understand doesn’t imply isolation or rebellion; rather, it signifies liberation, the freedom to be unapologetically ourselves, to express our individuality, and to pursue our dreams with unwavering determination.
So, let us march boldly forward, knowing that it’s not only ok but essential to live a life that resonates with our souls, even if it means diving into uncharted territory. For in the end, the true measure of a life well-lived is not in the conformity to external standards but in the authenticity of our journey and the depth of our self-understanding.
Good luck everyone!
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