by Scott Hayden

Created on: April 09, 2009   Last Updated: January 25, 2010

Why do we follow the path that society lays out for us instead of following our hearts? Is stability more important than happiness? It seems that life puts many of us in situations where we don't really want to be. Many people my age, which is thirty-five, put up with jobs that keep the money coming in but have little or no satisfaction at all. It's because we are hesitant to venture into unknown territory and fearful of what might happen if the money runs out. Our deepest desires and most cherished dreams are distant priorities. But it doesn't have to be this way. You do have choices and you can start making changes right now.

But, you might not know how to reach your goals let alone where to begin. Friends and relatives will try to dissuade you from going after what you really want because they will be left behind. They have no wish to rock the boat and make ripples in the water. Nothing must upset the natural order of things. Who ever said that commuting to work every day and enduring a dreary job with a boss on your back all day long is natural? I don't think it's sensible to bottle up feelings of boredom, angst and anger just to keep other people happy even if those people are members of your immediate family. They have chosen their path but that doesn't mean they have to power to do the same for you.

Your life belongs to you! Are you going to get around to doing what your heart has been telling you to do when retirement finally arrives? What if retirement never comes? Consider that possibility for a moment. Try to envision where you will be several years from now. The rewards given to you by society may seem great like money, power and prestige. However, they don't come without great sacrifice and material acquisitions will not be enough to silence the voice inside of you that is screaming for change.

That little voice is in all of us. You can't turn it off no matter how hard you try. We all dream for a reason! Don't ignore that voice, embrace it. Listen to what it tells you and new possibilities will present themselves. I'm not saying that making a new life will not take time or effort. The journey will be slow and the road bumpy, but I can tell you without a shred of doubt that you will not regret it.

Your peace of mind is at stake here not to mention your life. I was once in a position where I sat at a desk answering phone calls from angry customers and at the same time dealing with disgruntled employees who were obviously on the brink of a total mental and possibly physical breakdown. Talk about sitting on a pile of dynamite! Society doesn't bat an eyelid when people reach this point in their lives.

You must take care of yourself and never lose sight of your dreams. Remember, this isn't a dress rehearsal. You, as they say, only go around once.

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