2012: Everything Isn't For Everybody

In our youth, elders encourage us not to follow the crowd, and to be ourselves. Somewhere in our adolescent years, we start to find our way, and make it a point to stand out from the rest, claiming our individuality. Yet, by the time we're adults, we've forgotten one important truth: everything isn't for everybody.

Dancing the Possibilities

Growing up, most of us have been taught that if you got married, had kids and made a lot of money, that collectively, they would bring you happiness, and thus classify you as successful. In fact, these same people believe that if you are "missing" any of these components, then you couldn't possibly be happy, and something is definitely wrong with you or your methods of achieving "success". Has anyone ever wondered who set these standards, or is it just me? I mean, can't you be rich, married with children, and not be happy at all?  Is it possible to be single, living comfortably without children and still be happy and successful? The truth is, any combination including or excluding any one of these components doesn't dictate how happy one should/could be, or how successful they really are. Somewhere along the way, we've allowed society to decide what should make us happy, and we've allowed them to set our standards measuring personal happiness and success. But society doesn't live with you. Society doesn't know what you want, or the things that would truly make you happy. The bigger problem however, is that you don't know what those things are either, because you've allowed society to decide that for you and those around you. 

Consider the idea that everything isn't for everyone. 

It's like when you see an XL trying to fit in a M. One size does NOT fit all! Same concept should be applied to life. Not everyone is meant to get married. Not everyone is meant to bear children. Not everyone is meant to be a parent. Not everyone is meant to be rich. And guess what, all of that is OK. The grass is not always greener on the other side, and looks can most certainly be deceiving. I am not saying that these shouldn't be part of everyone's goals. I'm merely suggesting that we dig a little deeper, to figure out if these things are what we really want for ourselves, versus what society wants for us. I believe that once we realize and accept the fact that everything isn't for everyone, we'll also allow ourselves to open up to other possibilities and opportunities that were meant for us.

So you can't seem to find Mr. Tall Dark & Handsome. Consider the idea, that maybe he's not the one for you, and perhaps you should give Mr. Light, Not-So-Tall w/ Swag a shot!

Ms.Video Vixen is just not that into you? Maybe you should consider that she may not be the type you need. 

Or consider that maybe you're not meant to be with anyone right now. Just because your friends have significant others, doesn't mean you should have one too. I'm not saying close yourself off to the possibilities. I'm saying, consider the the fact that there's a whole world out there you haven't explored. A place where you may find Mr. or Mrs. Right when you least expect it! Or maybe you have a friend who always seems to be single. Consider the idea that maybe they want to be single!

Perhaps you are married, and for whatever reason, all attempts to conceive have not worked out. Consider that perhaps you were not meant to conceive children. However, this doesn't mean you cannot be parents. There are millions of orphans all around the world. Everyone knows that blood lines don't necessarily dictate who your real family is! Or maybe you know someone who doesn't want children. There's nothing wrong with that considering the idea that, everything isn't for everybody, including parenthood. 

Everyone is a Genius

It may be that you are content with all aspects of your life except your career. Nothing holds truer than the idea of never working a day in your life if you do something you love. Maybe you are doing something you thought you loved, but are slowly finding out, you don't love it as much as you though you would. Or, maybe you are doing something you love, just not in the capacity that you're doing it in. Or, maybe you've always wanted to do something, and are worried about what others would think. Whatever the situation, think about what you would rather be doing, and think of what it would take to get you there. You owe it to yourself to be happy. Your level of success isn't necessarily based on how much money you make. Are you making a difference? Are you helping someone? Do you find what you are doing fulfilling? You don't need to be a millionaire to make an impact. Everyone plays a role in the greater scheme of things. He/she is making millions doing the same thing you're doing? What are you doing differently? Should you be making millions doing the same thing? 

I don't have the answer to this question or any of the questions I've posed. They are simply a means to get you to challenge yourself to accept that everything isn't for everyone and open your mind to all of the possibilities and opportunities that await you! 

Make 2012 the best year yet ~ Be true to yourself!