A fulfilling life ….. dream or illusion ?

No one wants to admit their life is not as fulfilling as they’d like.  That would make them feel like they failed, wouldn’t it ?  I know that’s how I felt.  I had it ‘all’ – the job, career, great family and friends ….. yet why did I feel something was missing ?  I must be CRAZY !!  Not to mention feeling guilty as hell as I had what most folks wanted.
For a long time, I didn’t even dare whisper this; even to my closest friends fearing they would think I was ungrateful and self centered.  In reality, most days, I was too busy with life to spare this any thought.  But in those rare quiet moments, the question would creep back …..  is this really all there is ?  Surely the one life we have to live has to be more fulfilling than this !

Thus began my own journey of self discovery.   It’s a journey that started more than 10 years ago; one that I’m still on in many ways and learning everyday that I’m enjoying the journey as much as the destination !

Along the way, I’ve learnt a few things –

1. I wasn’t the only one to feel that way.  I know so many others who have faced the same dilemma; some are at the beginning of their journey, others have taken bold steps to re-craft their lives in line with what they truly want from life.  In fact, with longer life expectancies, it’s not unusual for us to question how we want to be spending our time for the next 10, 20, 30 years.
2. It’s ok to not have all the answers.  I learnt that I don’t need to have everything all figured out before I take action.  Taking the first step is most important… and it doesn’t matter if it’s not the right first step….course correction is a fact of life.   Have the courage to begin your journey before you know the end.  You might find, like me, the journey is as enjoyable as the destination !
3. Get to know yourself.  I mean really know yourself.  Dig deep to find out what’s truly important to you.  You may be surprised by what you learn.
4. Letting go can be very liberating.  All of us have expectations.  Of ourselves, our family, friends, what defines success etc.  Being able to let go of some of these expectations allows us to open our minds to see what’s possible.

So do I think a fulfilling life is a dream to pursue, or an illusion ?  Absolutely it’s a dream worth pursuing.  As a very wise advertising legend, Leo Burnett; used to say ..

“When you reach for the stars, you may not quite get one, but you won’t come up with a handful of mud either”

What stars do you want to reach for in your life ?