This Is What I’ve Learned In The Year Since Quitting My Job And Taking A Chance On Life

This year, I’ve learned about myself on a much deeper and higher level than ever before. I’ve learned that I can be stubborn, selfish and impatient at times, but I can also be giving, inspiring and a real warrior. I’m glad I’ve had this time to get to know my imperfections and my blessings so intimately.

I’ve learned that waking up each morning and living life on your own terms is both unnerving and thrilling. Because it’s something most of us don’t do. Most of us are going through the motions, trying to please others, and that’s exactly what I was doing too. And it made me nothing but miserable. But this year, I learned to embrace that selfish part of me, just a little, and give myself permission to honor my calling here on earth. To do what I love. To follow my passion and simply see where it takes me.

And to not give a damn about what anybody else has to say. 

I’ve learned that people will sometimes suck, and that’s okay. Because when you make the decision to set out on a path that is unknown and different to the one most people choose to travel down, you will inevitably lose many along the way. But I’ve also learned that you’ll find new people on that path, and those will be the people who continue to cheer for you and propel you on further.

This year, I’ve learned that when you follow what you love, all of those things that truly light up your soul, you’ll invite more love and light into your life. And that is the secret for true happiness and inner peace. 

I’ve learned that there’s no one left to blame but myself. For allowing obstacles to stop me moving forward, for listening to those damn voices in my head spitting poison, and for waking up to a life I’m not in love with.

That’s all on me, and this year I chose to be better. To do better. To stop settling. 

I’ve learned that it’s okay to switch jobs, careers, towns, or even continents, if where you’re at right now isn’t filling you up. Who cares if you’re 26 and this is all you know? You’ve got another 50+ years left to go, so don’t waste a single day running from your truth, because when you get to the end of your time here, you’ll regret that you didn’t at least try.

I’ve learned that it’s okay to not have all of your life mapped out down to the tiniest details. It’s okay to still be figuring this thing out – because let me tell you, it’s complicated. It is. And nobody ever truly has it figured out anyway. Life is messy. It’s both spectacular, bizarre, and full of the unexpected. But if you allow it to, it might just end up surprising you in the most wonderful of ways.

I’ve learned that creating something out of nothing is damn hard work, but my god it’s worth it every time. Believe me, it’s worth it. And I don’t just mean the thing at the end – I mean the whole journey in getting there too. Because when you’re pouring your heart and soul and pure passion into something, it’s going to be extraordinary. Will it make you a millionaire? Will it make you famous? Will it change lives? Maybe, maybe not. But here’s the thing: it will change you, and you’ll be a greater person because of it.

This year, I’ve learned that it’s okay to want abundance as well as happiness, and I don’t have to apologise for that. It’s okay to want to live my passion, to serve others, and it’s okay to want to make a shit load of money at the same time. It’s okay to affirm to yourself that you are deserving of all those things, because you are.

I’ve learned that when you’re at your very lowest, the people who are still standing by you, those people are your people. Hug them, love them, and never let them go. You need them; you do. And as much as it pains me to admit that I need someone, the truth is, we all do.

I’ve learned that life is simply too damn short to follow the motions: go to college, get a ‘good’ job, get married, get a mortgage, have kids, work tirelessly for some asshole for your best 40 years, and simply wait it out until you can retire In the Bahamas and finally begin enjoying your life. That’s not a life my friends. I’ve learned that while quitting my shitty job and paving my own path was risky, it’s far less risky than the alternative of not even living.

This year, I’ve learned that it’s okay not to put pressure on myself to check things off my life list. It’s okay not to be engaged at 27. It’s okay not to be married by 30. It’s okay if you get to 40 and you don’t have kids. You might not even want to have kids, and that’s okay.

I’ve learned that what is for you in this world will never pass you by. If you desire it, and it’s meant for you, you will find a way to it. I’ve learned to trust that the universe is on my side. She’s on yours too. 

I’ve come to realize that everything is a choice, and we get to choose. We can say yes, and we can say no. We are the creators of our destiny. We have the power to dream bigger and to dream better.

I’ve learned that life is more beautiful than I imagined it could be. I’m excited as I wake up to each morning. I’m learning so many new things each day, and I’m grateful for the smallest slivers of joy this world has to give – because this year I finally stopped to take a look around.

This year, I finally discovered what it means to live with purpose. 

Sometimes, all it takes is one book. One book that turns your world upside down. One book that changes your entire life.

Bloom by Shani Jay available here.