Are You Living Your Dream Life?
How to achieve your personal vision of the future
When asked the question of whether they’re living their dream life, most people would answer no — not even close.
And when pressed to explain what’s preventing them from achieving their personal version of bliss, there’s always a long, awkward pause … followed by a clumsily-delivered excuse intended to exonerate them from any degree of responsibility.
Why are so many people conflicted when it comes to achieving their dream life?
Most folks don’t really know what their dream is all about. Or maybe they’re constantly comparing themselves to someone else, and berating their own efforts at not being able to keep up or compete with those they perceive as happy and successful.
But are the achievements and goals of others what we really want?
I ask myself that question — often.
Because it’s too easy to imagine how much happier we’d be if we only had the easy-street path, accolades, or recognition that someone else has attained — someone who appears to be satisfied and content with their life circumstances.
But what if the object of our admiration — or envy — isn’t an authentic representation of the kind of life we really want?
What if their happy face is merely a mask, and inside they’re as unfulfilled and frustrated as the majority of people? Is it possible the achievers we look up to, respect, admire, and attempt to emulate are nothing more than empty shells with a good wax job?
The truth could be dream-shattering — an unwelcome realization that those we’ve chosen as living-proof examples of the ability to have it all were little more than internet charlatans.
It’s a possibility, because we can’t always see behind the curtain. Full transparency is often touted as a feature-benefit of a polished marketing pitch. But in reality, it’s usually just another empty promise.
Here’s some positive news
It’s not necessary to seek out others to determine what makes you happy or successful. Because you already know what your ideal future looks like. You’ve thought about the concept a lot — envisioning that flawless life and imagining how much better you’d feel, look, walk, or talk when everything is just right in your world.
And in your personal vision of perfection, you see yourself walking your self-chosen path with confidence — filled with joy and peace and love.
Until you encounter a roadblock
Whether in the form of an unexpected or disastrous event, a negative person, or a unwelcome responsibility, inevitable challenges confront us like a toxic spill on our personal yellow brick road. And before we can react, our dream of happiness dissipates like a fog bank at high noon.
But here’s the truth
Those obstacles and hurdles are all part of the journey. And if we don’t experience the difficult times, we may never achieve the sense of accomplishment that comes from prevailing over adversity.
Difficulty sharpens our edge. It forces us to think outside the box, to consider alternatives we would never otherwise consider.
Yes, hardships and conflict can turn our world upside down. But it also provides the opportunity to emerge from the experience a better, stronger person — with a new understanding of what the human journey is all about.
Welcome the construction zones in your life
Embrace them, absorb their lessons, and move forward. You already know where you want to go.
© 2020 Jill Reid. All Rights Reserved.
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Jill Reid is the author of Real Life, and founder of Pathway to Personal Growth and Kitchen Spirit. Her books and articles explore life, happiness, self-improvement, health, productivity, relationships, and personal success strategies for living longer and stronger through positive lifestyle choices.
