Course Correction Caused by a Simple Question

Questions have the power that most of the time we underestimate. They are much more powerful than most people think. We use questions from getting to know somebody to interrogation. A question is a tool that reaches for the information and builds up knowledge of a particular thing. Sometimes the right question at the right time can change a life.

This happened to me when I was reflecting on my life and thinking of the direction it was going. A question popped up in mind: why are you living the way you do?

At the time I wasn’t truly happy and satisfied with the course my life was taking. I wanted a change, but I wasn’t sure what must I do. The question that popped up made me realize that I was living an unconscious life. My position was either determined by other people, by the status quo in society or my fear to stand out. I was flowing with the current because I was afraid to follow my guts.

It felt risky to step out of the life I was living. Everyone in my family was required to follow a certain pattern where everything was already laid out. Leaving this pattern of ‘normal life’ would either mean success or a big failure and shame. Nevertheless, I didn’t want to have regret that I failed to try. If it turns out that I was wrong, I’ll be fully satisfied with this knowledge.

Therefore, I started shaking up everything I was doing. I was asking myself: why am I studying this, why do I meet this group of people, why am I going to this place?…

After a while, I changed most of the things in my life. It didn’t feel very good at first but I knew that my heart agreed with the change. I was able to participate without a feeling of uncertainty. I knew the reason why I participate in this activity or that group of people. After a long time of being imposed on the direction of my life, I learned to walk independently.

A couple of years passed by and I’m happy with every conscious choice I made. I live a purposeful life that agrees with what I believe, with my values and my opinion. I feel a sense of satisfaction that I’m on the right road towards the fulfillment of my destiny.

All said and done, please, understand me right. I’m not trying to encourage rebellion or selfishness. I strongly believe every person has a unique part to play in this world, but it’s only possible if one lives in accordance with what he believes and knowing ‘why’ behind it. There is nothing more exciting than living in line with who you truly are.

Now, I want to ask you: why do you live the way you do?