I've always found that love is the greatest distraction. Whether it be family, friends, a significant other or pets, we always put our loved ones first in front of everything and unfortunately, sometimes they are what stops us from doing great things. For example, being in a relationship with someone who wants very different things than you, whether it be travel or where your chosen career path may lead you. Love is a very powerful emotion and makes you do really stupid things. Some of those stupid things are absolutely worth it but letting go of your dreams and goals is not one of them. Loved one should want to see you succeed and experience everything you've ever dreamt of, they should never hold you back, even if they hate to see you go.
Sometimes I picture myself as a 80 year old woman and I think about how I'll look back on all my memories. I see myself just swinging back and forth on a porch swing for hours with a glass of rye on the rocks, dressed in a one-sie, reminiscing while looking out into the sunset. Yes, this image may look like a crazy old lady, especially with the hair I have, but that image makes me extremely happy. If I can picture myself extremely happy at the age of 80, because of the choices I made as a young adult due to the opportunities I said yes to, then I'm definitely on the right path. I'm about 6 weeks away from leaving Canada for a while, mostly to return to work in India with women empowerment and do some research to help benefit Raine for Water, and I couldn't possibly be more excited about the adventure. There are so many thoughts running through my mind. There's definitely no way to picture the next couple of months, let alone the next couple of years. This is the perfect time in my life to let the power of yes lead the way. I'm 22 years old and the only responsibilities I have are my job, Raine for Water, my dog (who has been kidnapped by my mother) and my phone bill. Due to my departure quickly approaching, I no longer own a single piece of furniture, just some books and my guitars. It's actually quite a liberating feeling to know I could travel anywhere with the small amount of items I actually own, strapped to me in a backpack.
2014 is coming to an end shortly and there is no time like the present to keep a good attitude and believe in yes. If you want something, make it happen. It literally is that simple. I'm completely self funding my travels next year and that includes working 7-day weeks and having little down time. I take advantage of the little free time I have to get important things done and see those important to me. I value hard work in order to get what you want. Not everything in life will be handed to you, and for some, nothing will ever be handed to you. Short cuts never got anyone where they wanted to be. Plus, hard work makes reaching your goals so much more worth it. I literally give myself a high-five and boogie in my living room to some Beyonce when I finally reach an accomplishment.
For those looking for a change or are unhappy with something in their current position in life, it's time to say yes. Yes to a change, yes to accepting something positive that'll bring you happiness.
There's no benefit to wasting a precious moment filled with sadness.
Jazz