Have you ever just had one of "those days"? You know, the kind where you wake up and realize that life, for some reason, just hasn't really been going the way you thought it would. I recently had that happen to me and I still can't quite put my finger on what causes that feeling. I'm leaning towards the idea that maybe it has something to do with growing older. The new experiences that life brings do seem to effect the path our life takes. Even the smallest of things create ripples in our lives that spead constantly outward. Something as harmless as a simple comment from someone you've never even met before... it changes you. I was talking with one of my friends the other day and they said something that really hit the nail on the head. They told me that, okay now I'm paraphrasing here because I don't remember their exact words, anyway they said, "where does life go if it's going nowhere at all?" It was such a simple statement and yet so profound. This seems to be so many of us... always struggling and yet still going nowhere. So I sat down last night and started thinking, I mean really thinking, about what I could or even should do about it. I came to the realization that, for most of us, we think that being safe is the best option. But how safe is safe really... are we really playing it safe by finding a secure stable job while we're young... or are we simply buying into society's illusion that a safe secure job is the only answer. If we're being honest with ourselves I think the majority of us would say it's more of the latter than the former. So now, at least we understand why we aren't going anywhere in life by playing it safe. I suppose, for most people, it is a risk to start a business or invest in stocks and mutual funds... but is it really anymore risky than living paycheck to paycheck, never knowing if you'll be able to retire? Is the fact that you might fail... once, twice, three times, or more... really anymore scary than playing it safe and going nowhere in life? Personally I don't think it is... A man unwilling to take risks is doomed never to learn, never to grow, never to live. I think we as a culture have moved away from the ideals that we founded this country on. The right to pursue happiness wasn't talking about sitting in front of the television all day watching other people chase their dreams... It was talking about everyone in this country. We all have the ability to be something and someone great. Nobody ever said being great and acheiving happiness was easy... if it was, there wouldn't be so many people playing it safe. My basic opinion is that, while you still have a breath in your body, you should chase your dreams... never let anyone convince you to give up. Misery loves company... if you give up you'll just be joining all those miserable people going nowhere in life. Most of them won't even be real enough with themselves to admit that they are miserable. The majority of happiness is found in the journey to reach for your goals regardless of the obstacles in your way. Even if you never make it... at least you'll be among the few who can hold their heads up high and say, "I gave it my all... I never gave up and, even though I didn't necessarily win, I tried... which is more than most can say." I plan on being one of those few... Do you?
