Live a Life of Thanks!

One of the hardest challenges for me has been to create a distinct lifestyle that does not always adhere to the traditions of my upbringing.

Not that I am doing anything wrong, but because it steps outside of the norms and expectations of my family and social culture. And no one wants to feel alienated for disapproval.

Because of this, I have hesitated to pursue avenues that I preferred or pushed things aside entirely. I have also at times internalized the doubts and fears of others whose opinion I felt I should pay regard.

The result of this is a half-lived existence. You cannot fulfill yourself while trying to comply with someone else’s image of who or what you should be.

I know I am not alone in this problem...

It is particularly true for people who come from more traditional and cemented cultural backgrounds. One’s culture is a gift, but can also be the yoke around your neck.

One of the reasons setting your own course can be such a conflict is it comes across to others as a dismissal or rejection of who THEY are.

Not wanting to do as they do, or share their view of what is important in life can be confusing or like a slap in the face; a rejection of their values, worth or participation in your life. It need not be this way, and should not.

I’ve come to realize that making my seemingly odd choices are actually a celebration of the investment others have made to make me who I am today.

The freedom to consider an array of preferences is the payoff of their work and efforts. The path of options I have laid out before me is a testament to the past of which I am a product.

I have possibilities available to me that were not possible for members of my family or many in my culture.

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Therefore, it is almost a must that I exercise them and take advantage of all that I can. To NOT do so and instead live, within a small framework of ideas is equal to cutting off the progress that has led to my life.

The crucial element is to do what I can well.

To be conscious of the opportunities I have and make positive, deliberate choices that respect both myself and those to whom I owe the debt of my options.

My growth in life lays a new path for those that continue through me. It is only right that I bring them further than I have come—just as was done for me.

Realize that this life is just a set of habits you're very likely not aware of, habits defined and refined by the people around you. Just like a morning coffee becoming your enemy in the long run, so your close ones can bring you to ruin.

I encourage you to consider this if you are afraid of offending or alienating someone by the choices you make on how you wish to live your life.

It is rare to make your decisions based on the happiness and approval of others and still expect to feel nourished within yourself. I would argue that those people who can be content that way will ultimately live a life that seems stuck in time and hard to differentiate.

This in itself is not bad either, if it’s what you want. But I believe it is better to add your own distinct mark to the world around you.

Your life is unique for a reason and should reflect the rare entity you are.

So live your life in a way that says thank you. Show your gratitude by maximizing all that was given to you.

Do not squander the aspirations and efforts of those who gave you this range of options and broad place in the world by living less than you are able to or can dream about.

But remember always, that how you go about it must be your choice or you will simply be reversing through a door someone already opened for you.