I was inspired this morning by a conversation with a few gals about children who always want to do things their way. I have to admit, I was one of those kids, just ask my mom.
I always have to do things “MY” way? I don’t often listen to advice and I especially steer clear of what everyone else is doing. And if you tell me I “have” to do something a certain way, be rest assured I’ll do the exact opposite.
Now my Mom, bless her heart, calls me stubborn. I call it self–sufficiency. You call it whatever you want to.
But I do it because I have a notion to understand, try things out for myself, and take the adventure on my own. Because I want to know, could it work for me? And it gives my life a sense of fun and accomplishment, especially when I figure it out for myself. I think that my notion to “Do Life My Way” is the best gift I have in life.
Yes, there are the down sides. If you don’t listen to others, then you miss the chance to learn things that can keep you out of trouble and away from pain. Or the opportunity to adopt what others know that could make problems and challenges much quicker and easier to get through.
But I like the upsides. Like – being able to make a sound decision on my own, having the critical thinking skills to work out a problem and, being resourceful when coming up with a solution. It’s also fun and I love having adventure as part of my life and the inquisitive mind that wants to know; “How does it work? Can it work for me? and What other things could I use it for?”
Besides, if there was no one who wanted to DO LIFE THEIR WAY, no one to challenge the status quo, then who would create new opportunities? Who would be lead to new inventions or discover the ancient ruins of some far off land? And what would happen to all those unique, creative, alive and vibrant people that show such a zest for life?
There can be a balance. A place in the middle where we use the lessons of others in a way that applies to your unique situation. An option where we get to use the knowledge of those who went before and still come up with our own solutions. Where challenging the status quo is seen as an asset, not a liability. And we get to invent new solutions and opportunities that have never been seen before.
So yes, my need to DO LIFE MY WAY can be a bit of a challenge. But it’s the best way that I know how to do life. And as long as I’m balancing that with lessons from others, having fun, and the people around me feel loved, supported and inspired, then I’m doing my job. Do Life Your Way and so will you!
Copyright © 2008 Cecilia Deal. All Rights Reserved.
