The word courage is most often associated with feats of adventure — taking action, without yielding to the possible dangers that exist. But courage can also mean NOT taking action. Deciding NOT to move through life with the rest of the human herd, in order to break free of the bondage of conformity, rituals, habits, and cultural directives can be the most courageous act of all. I believe it requires more courage to do this than to skydive.
We’re all seemingly bound by rules, whether they are written, handed down through generations, or held deep within our subconscious minds. These limits, which come from many sources, can hold us to a life path that is mundane, lacking purpose and meaning. It’s no wonder that so many people are walking through life without feeling truly happy, satisfied and challenged. Does this sound familiar?
We’ve come to believe that it’s all about staying within the limits of conformity. By staying within those boundaries, and not pushing beyond them, we’re basically choosing not to evolve. Nature is our best teacher, in this regard. There is a constant ebb and flow to the world we live in, yet many believe that consistency and conformity somehow create a controlled, safe environment. It’s no wonder that so many people are feeling bored, uninspired and without purpose.
Society would like us to believe that it’s all about attending the right schools, getting a high paying job, and acquiring all of the “things” that are believed to provide a happy, fulfilled life. Many folks progress through life, focused on retirement, like a mouse moving toward a piece of cheese at the end of a maze. Personally, I would like to erase the word “retirement” from the English language. I don’t buy into the thought that I should suffer through years of working at a job, that I don’t find fulfilling, in order to hold off on happiness until I retire. But, it takes great courage to change your way of thinking.
Are you familiar with the saying, “If you do what you love, you’ll never work another day in your life”? Everyone has something that they’re passionate about, and those are the things that they do best. Perhaps you’ve even had someone tell you, “You’re so good at that, you should do that for a living!” And you may have replied, “Right! I wish I could get paid to do this!” So, why not? Why couldn’t you?
By fearlessly moving in the direction of your passions, the universe will conspire to create opportunities that align with your path. Some of the happiest people on this planet have done just that. They’ve forged new paths and create opportunities where none had existed before, by simply doing what they love.
I’ll let you in on a secret. There is nothing outside of you that will provide deep, lasting happiness. It comes from within! No amount of money or possessions will make a difference. Do what brings you joy and you’ll be living your best life. You’ll quickly understand that by pursuing the things that ignite a passion within you, abundance will effortlessly begin to flow your way.
It takes great courage to depart from the traditional understanding of what life is “supposed” to be, but when you live each day by doing what you love, the reward will be a life filled with meaning, abundance, and, above all, JOY!
