It’s Not Crazy To Want More From Life

No one wants to admit their life is not as fulfilling and meaningful as they would like. That’s like admitting failure, isn’t it ? But that was exactly how I felt more than 5 years ago. And yet I still questioned if I was crazy to want more from life.

You see, I had a great job, great career, great family and friends. Life was busy but filled with activity that was not very meaningful. At least not to me. By most measures, it looked like I ‘had it all’. Yet, deep down I still felt like something was missing. I couldn’t work out why …. and wondered if I must be CRAZY !!  Not to mention feeling extremely guilty for even daring to dream for more.

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’ve been blessed with has to be more fulfilling than this !

Thus began my own journey of self discovery. The truth is that it’s a journey that had started more than 10 years ago. In one form or another, I think I’ve always been on a quest to figure this out. But I never had the courage to face some tough questions about what I really wanted for my life. Till 5 years ago.

I’m happy to say that I now have clarity. But I also know my journey will continue on in many ways as I learn more about myself every single day. The best part ? I’m enjoying the journey as much as the destination !

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

• You’re not alone. I know so many others who have faced the same dilemma. Some are at the beginning of their journey while others have taken bold steps to re-craft their lives in line with what they truly want for themselves.  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.

• It’s ok to not have all the answers. I’ve 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 !

• 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.

• 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 worth pursuing ? Absolutely.

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”

So, what stars do you want to reach for in your life ?