Outside the box thinking comes from outside the box believing. I used to believe that I was not good enough, smart enough, or talented enough to pursue work I actually enjoy doing. It was not that long ago when I was set on trudging along doing exactly what I’m doing now, working at a job that isn’t enjoyable or stimulating to me, for the next 20 years, until I would be officially eligible for Social Security benefits. But in my journey, a journey that has stripped me of things I held near and dear, and which has left me alone but more sure of myself than I’ve ever been before, I’ve begun to question the truth of that belief.
Why should I have to wait 20 years to be doing what makes me happy? Who even knows if in 20 years I’ll still be around or capable of even enjoying a retirement? My financial advisor stoked this flame in me. He questioned, “Why not do something where you won’t even feel like retiring?” The reasons came to me quickly then: Because I won’t be able to make a comfortable living doing what I love doing, That is something only available to the other guy, Working at a job you hate and counting down the years to retirement is what life is all about, It’s what everyone does, why should I be any different?
But now three years later after loss, contraction and spiritual growth I find myself dreaming either of retiring early because I found my passion and it was so lucrative that I don’t have to work a daily grind job anymore or because I’ve found my niche and it has afforded me a comfortable income.
Not only am I challenging the status quo on this idea but I’m planning on making it a reality in a French-speaking country! Why should I stay put in America where I’ve lived my entire life? Why stay in Virginia where I’ve lived for the last 21 years? Having no ties that bind can be lonely but it also creates incredible freedom and flexibility.
R. D. Laing said, “The range of what we think and do is limited by what we fail to notice.” What I am beginning to notice is I have a power to create the life I want to live, a power that has been there all along but which had been obscured because of my alignment with societies view of how things have to be. This power has come into crystal-clear focus because I’m questioning the veracity of beliefs, both societies and my very own.
And, while outside the box believing is inspirational it’s difficult to live and work among those who are still failing to notice. This is propelling me to plan for my dreams to be realized. The alternative has severe consequences that I’m not willing to accept.
Photo Credit: Daniel Zedda