I saw this quote and it resonated with me. I don’t particularly like the reference to war and fighting, but it can really feel that way if you meet a lot of resistance to your dreams.
Personally, I have never really been affected much by peer-pressure in my life. I have always been described by others as strong and determined, and I’ve never really been too concerned about what other people thought about me. It is harder, though, when you break a mold of some kind, like when I first told people I was becoming a full-time artist. Some people in the corporate world, that I was currently in, looked at me like I had two heads, some friends showed their support, others tried to tell me not to do it and then there were those how said nothing in response. Just an empty stare. Overall, I’m sure many thought I was crazy and unrealistic.
Today, I meet resistance on other matters and if it’s not those matters it’s going to be something else because I have a habit of doing what I want to do. I realize leading with my heart and following my gut are somewhat changing people’s comfort level. It takes effort to rethink the way they see me. How dare I make them move me into a different category in their brain? It takes a level of effort on their part and I realize not everyone is ready to change their comfort level on how they see me. Sounds strange but this is just human nature. And that is why it helps to know that there will always be resistance, and there will always be those who vocally express how “unwise” my decision is and almost be rude in the way they try to talk me out of it. This can come from family, friends, co-workers or strangers.
It takes a lot of gut to follow your dreams and breaking the mold and doing what you feel you are meant to do in life (and if you think people will give you credit or a gold star for this, you may be disappointed). You too have to change your comfort level and figure out what you are willing to sacrifice in order to walk your truth, and believe me, there is going to be a lot of sacrifice. Sacrifice may come in the shape of a smaller budget, no time to see friends and family, missed birthday parties etc. I understand why not more people dare to follow their dreams. It IS hard, but for me it would be a lot harder if I just did what society and the norm told me I was suppose to do with my life. And you do have to fight either a few people or a crowd to follow through with what you know is your authentic self. Sometimes you have to fight your own mind. And walking the truth and being your authentic self IS worth all that, and on the road there will be plenty of other people cheering you on. Even moving in the direction of your dreams will make a huge shift in your life.
xo,
e.
