What is Stopping You?

Is there something in life you want to do but aren’t? Did you used to dream of being a musician, a poet, a stand-up comedian, or an artist, and now you’re stuck in a dead-end job? If you are like most of us, the answer is yes. What is stopping you?

Living the Life

My brother and I couldn’t be any more different. I am a type “A” personality and love my lists and schedules. He is more flexible in his thinking than I am. My life is full of rigid routines. I don’t like surprises, and I have always done responsible things and held jobs that made good money, but I didn’t love that much. However, I have an entrepreneurial spirit, though, and even when I am terrified, I venture forward. But for most of my life, I ignored what I really wanted. I don’t like following rules, but my brother has always done so.

My brother is a free thinker, a dreamer, and a man who marches to his own beat. He is late for everything, even his own wedding. But what I admire most about my brother is that even though he has a respectable job and takes good care of his family, he has always kept sight of his passion: music. When he was a teenager, he taught himself to play guitar and sing. He had a band in high school, and to this day, he still finds the time to play gigs at local bars and clubs. He even encouraged his son to play drums, and they often perform together. Even with his hectic lifestyle, he fits in the thing that he is most passionate about.

Life is Too Short to Wait

I would give anything to go back and pursue my passions long before now. If only I had dared to start writing books when I was in my twenties, thirties, or even forties. I struggled with so much insecurity and lack of confidence back then that I couldn’t do it.

I wonder what makes one person never let go of something important, and another lets it slip out of their hands. Not doing what you want in life feels hopeless and discouraging. For me, it’s always felt like this thing I “should” do, but it was just out of reach.

We are all creative individuals from birth. We are meant to create and do things that fill us with joy, but how many of us actually do? Instead, we live on autopilot, going through the motions each day, living lives that leave us hungry for more.

What is Stopping You from Living Your Dream?

Take a few minutes today and ponder what is stopping you from living your dream. Some possible reasons/excuses might be:

• I don’t have the time – Aren’t you running out of time? We all are. Life is short.
• I don’t have the money – How much does it cost to make a few changes to your life to be happy? What is the cost of your happiness?
• I am scared of failing – Does it really matter how good you are at something? Doesn’t the feeling of doing it make it all worthwhile? Perfection is just an idea. You get to decide what that looks like.
• I am scared of succeeding. What would your life look like if you took a chance and did well? Are you afraid of those changes? Wouldn’t it be worth trying?
• What would others think of me? – I care less about what others think as I get older. Who cares? Forget about them and do what makes you happy! They aren’t living your life; you are!

Do It Now!

Don’t wait another minute. If painting is your passion, stop on the way home from work and pick up an easel, a canvas, some paints, and brushes. It doesn’t matter if you haven’t painted since childhood. Find the time and make the effort; your heart will soar when you start doing what you want. You may never be truly happy until you satisfy what the soul wants. It may just be the thing that saves you.

What is stopping you?