Many people in life have endured pressure from their parents, friends, or others to conform to certain expectations. Some parents cultivate their children from birth to be doctors, lawyers, or engineers. The child’s desires become subsumed within the parents’ expectations. It is not uncommon for college students to major in subjects such as economics or physical science because of parental pressure.
Peer pressure can be equally harmful. During the adolescent years, many teenagers feel insecure and are overly reliant upon their friends’ opinions. Sometimes this lack of self-confidence can lead to trusting the wrong kinds of people and making poor choices.
Whether it is from friends or family, people are often influenced to act in ways that conflict with their beliefs and desires. They may even think they are doing the right thing by “going with the flow” or “keeping the peace.” Yet to do so repeatedly can be very detrimental to one’s mental health and well-being.
It is important to remember that we all only have one life. Money, fame, and beauty may come and go but we only have a finite amount of time to accomplish the things that you want to do. Time is therefore the most precious commodity on Earth. Recognize how valuable your time is, and think carefully about how you want to spend it.
Imagine yourself 30, 40, 50, and 60 years from now. In the twilight of your life, how do you want to be living? What kind of environment and lifestyle would be the most ideal? Are you living the kind of life today that is conducive to your future plans? For instance, if you have always wanted to have children yet are currently in a relationship with someone who detests kids, it is time to reconsider either the relationship or your long-term goals. Similarly, if you’ve always had secret dreams of a career in the culinary arts but are stuck in a corporate position that you hate, now is the time to pursue your dream! Enroll in cooking classes on the weekend or during the weekend, and explore any potential opportunities that arise.
Consider making a bucket list. Write down every experience that you want to have before you die. Spend some time to really think about what you want out of life. Look at a map and think about all of the places you want to visit or return to. Are there skills that you’ve wanted to acquire? It doesn’t matter if you think they are silly or embarrassing…write them down. If your secret desire has been to become a master juggler or perfect your magic tricks, go for it! Buy some juggling balls and look up some card tricks today!
Don’t put off until tomorrow what can be done today. Life is profoundly uncertain, and you never know what twists and turns lie before you. Hopefully your healthy diet and lifestyle will keep you fit and active for the majority of your life. But why tempt fate? Set out to accomplish your goals now, when you are still young. Right now is the youngest you will ever be; life is a constant aging process. So start now!
Your life is what you choose to make of it. As the mythologist Joseph Campbell once said, “Life is without meaning. You bring the meaning to it.” Do not let anyone define yourself or your life according to their standards. At the end of the day, your opinion is the one that really matters.
Trust yourself, and trust your decisions. Everyone deserves to be happy, and you are no exception. Figure out what it is that makes you happy, and then run after that with all of your might. Too many people take life for granted. They don’t realize what a precious gift life is until it’s endangered or almost gone.
Do not make the same mistake. The sooner you appreciate the value of time and of pursuing your dreams, the more time you have to accomplish them. Life is for the living, so get out there and live!
You may experience hardship or scorn. People may not understand why you would leave your successful and financially stable position as a lawyer to become a cook, but that doesn’t matter. Let them wonder! Your happiness is far more valuable than other people’s opinions. Have confidence in yourself, and others will recognize that and respect you for having the courage to pursue your dreams.
It is never too late for you to live the life of your dreams. You can do it! And the sooner you start, the better.
To conclude, despite these potential hardships, it is so worth the cost. Life is worth living, but only you can determine the worth. Your life is what you make of it. You are free to make of your life whatever it is you desire.
To pose a final question – what are you making of your life right now?
Thank you for reading!
This article is compliments of Dherbs.com
Vincent Stevens is the senior content writer at Dherbs. As a fitness and health and wellness enthusiast, he enjoys covering a variety of topics, including the latest health, fitness, beauty, and lifestyle trends. His goal is to inform people of different ways they can improve their overall health, which aligns with Dherbs’ core values. He received his bachelor’s degree in creative writing from the University of Redlands, graduating summa cum laude. He lives in Los Angeles, CA.
