What Are You Chasing?
I have lived a well-lived life.
Mistakes? Check. Joy? Plenty. Spontaneous adventures? Absolutely. Without a doubt. And, of course, an array of cherished memories with loved ones that have woven themselves into the fabric of my existence.
I had a close friend who cared deeply. She used to say watching me stumble through my mistakes was like watching a car crash in slow motion—painful and hard to look away from. Her instinct was to shield me, to wrap me in bubble wrap and protect me from the bruises life sometimes brings.
But for me, that felt suffocating. I had this itch, this restlessness, always talking about leaving, about chasing something more. Charlotte was my fantasy, but fate led me to the DMV instead. My friend, she'd ask me, "What are you chasing?" And honestly, I had no clear answer. All I knew was that I needed more, and it could not be achieved at home.
A couple of years rolled by, and she posed the question once more, "Can you see yourself settling here forever?" I hesitated before replying, "Probably not." The echo of her question lingered: "What are you chasing?" My answer then was uncertain: "I'm not sure. I just sense there's more out there for me." It left me pondering, questioning if I was missing out on life's fullness.
Months passed, and it dawned on me—I wasn't just wandering aimlessly; I was chasing purpose.
Purpose isn't just a buzzword; it's that fire in your belly, that sense of fulfillment that comes from living authentically. I saw others living their purpose and thriving, and I wanted that for myself. So, I took the leap, left the noise behind, and started asking the real questions—what do I want from this one wild and precious life? What does success look like for me?
In my upbringing, success was synonymous with stability—long-term jobs, homeownership, settling down. But I didn't fit that mold. I zigzagged through careers, moved around, and embraced change when it called my name.
I've delved into books, podcasts, and the lives of those who dare to live unconventionally. One standout individual I admire for her unapologetic, authentic approach is Demetria L. Lucas. Her podcast, "Ratchet & Respectable," is a treasure trove of insights, and she pushes to live out loud unapologetically. Give it a listen here! (Thank me later.)
Perhaps your success story involves crafting a life centered on travel, or maybe it revolves around nurturing meaningful relationships with family and friends. Possibly, your success narrative could be rooted in the pursuit of freedom and inner peace.
Here are some questions to ponder:
Do I truly want this path?
Am I in love with the job or just the title?
Is it the person I'm drawn to or the idea of a relationship?
What does success mean to me, and how will I measure it?
Am I clinging to outdated notions of success?
What do I want my life story to be?
Go ahead and chase your version of success! There is a strong possibility it won’t look like anyone else’s, but that's what makes it so special—it's uniquely yours.
