The real world has a pretty set standard for what your life should look like:
Get good grades, go to a good college, get a good job (so you can pay off those good-debt student loans), marry a good spouse, have good kids, live a good life.
Raise your hand if any of that made you cringe.
Yeah, me too.
Let me be clear: there’s nothing inherently wrong with any of that. I’ve done some of ‘em myself. The problem is that so many people fall short.
They aim for a good life – doesn’t everyone? But then, life happens – the “real world” biz kicks in.
People stay in jobs they hate because it pays the bills, stick with lousy spouses and look forward to retirement – when they’re finally free to really do what they want.
I get it. Bills need to be paid, vows need to be honored – but there is room for improvement. You don’t have to accept crappy conditions and say, “That’s life.” It doesn’t need to be.
So if you’re like me, disenchanted with the “real world,” let’s try something else.
Let’s forget the real world – what’s your ideal world?
Close your eyes and think about it for a minute or several. Immerse yourself in it. What does your ideal world look like?
What do you do for work? For play? Who do you work and play with? How are your relationships? Your health? Your home?
Ok, open up.
Is reality stacking up to what you just imagined? If so – hooray! Congrats!!
If not – don’t worry, you’re not alone.
It’s easy to get frustrated when your reality doesn’t match your ideal world. But please, bypass the temptation to get mad, and instead get inspired.
So maybe you’re not at your ideal job, in an ideal relationship, in an ideal location. But you do have something that’ll help you get there: a vision.
In visualizing your ideal world, you now have a clear picture of what it is you want.
And guess what you can do with a clear picture?
Yup. Baby steps.
Want to be a writer but stuck in sales? Take a baby step – write for an hour on weekends. Crave a closer relationship with your parents? Take a baby step – call just to say hi.
Anything that’ll move you in the direction of your ideal world is the right step.
I know how tough it can be – just a few hours ago I was getting cranky because I’m not in my ideal world. I SO wanted a nap, but didn’t have the self-employment to allow it. I was ready to be tired and lazy, to wallow in mild self-pity for a bit.
But then my guy inspired me. He reminded me to live my dream today, to not be tied down by what I want to escape from.
He’s right…And so here I am, taking a baby step. With help, I’ve shaken off the frustration and have turned it into fuel. I hope you have someone in your life who can keep you going. If not, let me remind you: forget how frustrating reality might be, look at your ideal world, and take a step in that direction – today.
Your reality might not ever be perfect. In fact, I can almost guarantee it won’t be – perfection doesn’t exist. But if you keep moving towards your ideal, you just might wake up one day and be surprised at how close you are.
Peace, love and a steaming cup of Zen,
- K
Yep! It’s frustrating and maddening and some days I cry tears of frustration and self pity. But you and your man are right! Get up, remember that dream, and take those baby steps. Do anything to bring the dream just a little bit closer. Thanks K, this is just what I needed to hear!
EXACTLY Alexandra, you got it! There will undoubtedly be tears along the way, but there would be whether you follow your dream or not. Might as well do the former! I’m glad it’s what you needed Alexandra. Thanks for your presence.
Long story … but hopefully the end result will be inspiring here. In 3 days I will have lived on the Big Island Hawaii for 1 year. I sold my home in San Diego, left my thriving business behind, a well established set of friends… Though I was happy there… I had also grown stagnant. I also love the tropics, the heat, the sun, the sand (ok San Diego wasn’t bad really but…. the REAL tropics!)
I decided to go live my dream now! Not when I retire, which with all of my interests and life long entrepreneurial tendencies will probably be never.
So here I am. And yes, it is my ideal world. And no, it is not perfect. But damn near. And yes, it was not easy to get through all the change to be here now. BUT it was worth it.
And Kaylee, not only do I still work with dogs… but I am a life coach! And I LOVE it!
Your blog rocks.
You definitely succeeded in your desired end result. I’m totally inspired! Good for you, being able to pick up and leave a good life for the potential of an even better one! I’ve always kinda wanted to just pick up and go somewhere, try something different…Your story was just another little nudge in that direction. I LOVE hearing from folks who are livin’ the dream – so thanks for sharing your story!
Oh and thanks for visiting. I’m glad you’re diggin’ it!
BTW, if you don’t mind sharing…I’d love to know how you became a life coach. Did you go through training, or just use your life experience? I’ve been told not to underestimate my experience thus far, but I can’t help but think that maybe I need official training…Thoughts? Feel free to e-mail me if you’d prefer. Peace!
You definitely succeeded in your desired end result. I’m totally inspired! Good for you, being able to pick up and leave a good life for the potential of an even better one! I’ve always kinda wanted to just pick up and go somewhere, try something different…Your story was just another little nudge in that direction. I LOVE hearing from folks who are livin’ the dream – so thanks for sharing your story!
Oh and thanks for visiting. I’m glad you’re diggin’ it!
BTW, if you don’t mind sharing…I’d love to know how you became a life coach. Did you go through training, or just use your life experience? I’ve been told not to underestimate my experience thus far, but I can’t help but think that maybe I need official training…Thoughts? Feel free to e-mail me if you’d prefer. Peace!
Oh and I forgot to say CONGRATS on one year in Hawaii! That sounds fabulous, as I’m chilled to the bone in this office… Soak up some rays for me!