A Few Life Lessons

I thought I’d share the 2 most influential and thought provoking life lessons that I’ve learned thus far in my life. Hope they are as helpful to you as they have been for me.

1. Accepting Singleness

While reading an article in Relevant magazine about relationships, I stumbled across this incredible quote from Anne Sims which read:

"Singleness is about adventure, self-esteem, and growing up. And it's about you owning your soul, until it's time to give it away to the one who gives it back to you, with theirs...it's who you are while your single that sets the course for who you'll be all your life." (Relevant, 2009)

Honestly, that blew my mind...I think a lot of us (especially women) are always looking for that “next person who will sweep us off of our feet,” however, we have to remember that there’s freedom in being single…freedom to travel, explore, be goofy…there’s freedom and the ability to actually become comfortable in our own skin without the pressure of owning up to someone else’s expectations!!

Therefore, don’t waste this time…this gift, by chasing/remaining in crap relationships, becoming bitter, or engaging in reclusive behaviors. Instead, take this time to enjoy getting to know you….just DO YOU!

Besides, once you become comfortable with yourself and who you are, that is when you actually have something to offer another person…

2. Finding your Personal Legend

While reading the book The Alchemist by Paulo Coehlo (1998), I came across this excerpt:

…“ [A] Personal Legend..[is] what you have always wanted to accomplish. Everyone when they are young, knows what their Personal Legend is. At that point in their lives, everything is clear and everything is possible. They are not afraid to dream, and to yearn for everything they would like to see happen to them in their lives. But, as time passes a mysterious force begins to convince them that it will be impossible for them to realize their Personal Legend.”

…“It’s a mysterious force that appears to be negative, but actually shows you how to realize your Personal Legend. It prepares your spirit and your will, because there is one truth on this planet; whoever or whatever it is that you do, when you really want something, it’s because that desire originated in the soul of the universe. It’s your mission on Earth.”

I can’t tell you how influential this passage has been for me. While reading it for the first time, it was like Paul Coelho was talking to me directly. Why?? Because I, in fact, am in the process of accepting my own Personal Legend. For years I have been running from what I’ve always dreamed of doing. Just recently it has felt as if everything around me has been pointing me to acknowledge/fulfill my Personal Legend. It’s scary, yet I feel complete. I feel that I’m actually doing what I was meant to do, and it’s a GREAT feeling.

I leave you with these questions:

What personal dreams do you have?

If you knew that you could do ANYTHING in the world and not fail….what would you do?

What’s stopping you?

I think it’s EACH of our responsibility to acknowledge and answer these tough life questions. There are many individuals that have passed away from this world who never really lived their life to their greatest potential. You and I still have that chance. Don’t waste this time that you’ve been given. What are you waiting for?