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This quote is very popular at my workplace and it’s often used when projects are derailed because of opinions and perspectives. However, for me, this line means much more than projects or puns at work. This statement resonates with my free-spirited and independent soul which trusts that you cannot be married to assignments and faceless tasks. Life should not be a straight road and you mustn’t drive on it like it is one.
In 2008 I was completing grad school majoring in Psychology and was so sure that I wanted to study this beloved subject further. I was undeniably sure that this very subject allows my ever-spinning mind both calmness and consideration. However, standing in 2017, I realize I took a complete U-turn from my instincts although the admiration for the subject never faded away.
In 2011, then in 2013 and then relentlessly from 2015 to now, the restlessness kept growing each day. It haunted me so much that I didn’t know where to hide. And that’s when in mid-2016 I took a conscious call to address this demon. I started asking questions, consulting my friends and became more cognizant of what I want to achieve. My journey has thus just started towards an update.
This rant is both a catharsis and a confession. This rant is for all those headless chickens, which have passions neatly wrapped and packed in old suitcases buried away from the prying eyes of judgment and cynicism. This rant is to empower and make anyone who has felt directionless better. This is to cushion them from the tsunami of insecurities & judgment errors. This is to let them know that many like us exist in the real world with unreal, utopian dreams of making it big on a road that doesn’t exist and we will have to construct it brick by brick.
Well, if this continuous hammering isn’t loud enough and comes sporadically then I would suggest a vacation to the nearby beach but if it haunts you like it does to me then I am sure sooner or later you will surrender. You will have that day when you will stop caring about the consequences and start thinking of the life you can build with your passion. I am sure; you will start fishing for people, avenues, and openings to live your dream.
So, if you are nodding to all of this and the realization has taken years to knock at your door; read on to know how you can welcome it in.
1. Understand what STOPS you-
As beings we are anchored to the notion of stability. The electric fence of permanence—finances, societal judgment, peer pressure and failure keep us within the known boundaries of exploration. The moment we think beyond the fence the fear of electrocution hits us. Our mind gets clouded with resistance to change and because of the anxiety it brings our mind blows us hard, ‘are you an idiot to leave something you have worked hard for years only for a notion?’
So, it becomes very important to list down your concerns and how it impacts your current living state.
2. Start TALKING-
Explain to your family and close friends what it means to be caged. Let them know how you feel unaccomplished in what you do. A word of caution, do not share your deepest with the shallowest. These are entities in your life which are near but not really dear. They will hear but not listen and in some time will label you as confused and incompetent. This will stunt your growth and make you feel pitiful.
3. SIT & WRITE it down-
Next step would be to gather your energies and write down what you see yourself doing five years from today. This will clarify and condense arbitrary, unsystematic and muddled webs. You will be able to select necessary trains of thought and merge the railroads to a station.
4. The MEANS WILL come –
Once you know the end goal, the means will magically start appearing. The universe will help you meet people and lead to conversations which align with you. Here, it is important to let yourself soak and submerge in the volley of likelihoods. During this the love and support of your faithful one is essential. He/she will help you not only emotionally but also will understand your reservations and give you that essential space and time to think.
5. VACATE-
Post the road map; comes the daunting challenge of quitting. Quitting is the mother of challenges. As it entails ‘leaving’ it indicates ‘wasting.’ This makes us feel irresponsible. But, the thing to be kept in focus is, ‘you don’t want what you have.’ Once you drill this statement in your head you will not feel bad for losing everything that comes with calling quits. It’s like holding onto a dress you will never wear. Just vacate that spot and move!
If you survive this emotional roller coaster, you must applaud yourself. You, my friend, are an inspiration! Be proud of yourself and your ability to ACTUALLY act.
Celebrate your journey of being a strong, thinking person who admits to being in a pursuit of happiness.
Like they say, you are not a tree so please move if you don’t like it!
Photo: Getty Images