If you could put aside fear,
and worry,
and everyone else's idea of who you should be
what would you become?
If you could set down "should" and "can't" and "too late"
and pick up hope and dreams and possibility,
what would unfold?
If you could live the life you choose to
instead of the life you fell into;
if you could greet each new day with eyes open wide and a hunger for possibility
what could you achieve?
(Inhale… exhale…)
More connection.
More peace.
More love.
More meaning.
Let's start today by breaking all the rules that don't fit us anymore.
The rules that never have.
Let's shed obedience and habits and obligations and instead dance with the substance of our dreams.
This moment.
This day.
This life.
It's all yours.
Seize it. Savor it. Devour it.
Live it.
Let's not squander another day on a path we never meant to take.
Because we can change it. Starting now.
Dig deep.
Dream big.
Trust.
And awaken.
The first step is the hardest.
But after that you'll never look back.
Because you life is waiting,
just beyond the next bend.
If only you believe it is there.
LOVE today’s post. Now to have the courage to so what it says.
That both scares and inspires me at the same time…
This is great! How can I incorporate this into my homeschooling when it seems there is such a demand to teach certain subjects, especially in high school? I have been homeschooling for 27 years and it would seem that I should ‘get’ it. I hate that entering high school is such a huge push for credits, when they want to continue on the gentle path of learning that summer brings. If I could credit their delight directed learning, it would be so much more peaceful during this stage. Any suggestions? I don’t want to waste any time during these short years we have left!
Since when do you know what you are going to do in life at age 14? I still don’t fully know everything I am going to do! This time can be such an aggressive academic challenge! I need more courage to step out of the ‘normal’ scheme of what HAS to be taught in high school!
Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts. Following through on a big dream this fall when we travel around Europe for 3 1/2 months. This year’s “back to school” list revolves around passports and travel wish lists! Somebody pinch me!
That’s the first step. The hardest. You’ve got it in you.
What are the requirements where you live, Audrey? We’re blessed to live in Wisconsin where we don’t need to file credits. I wonder how you could work within the system where you live and yet reach for what your heart desires. I know there is a balance to be found – though it might take a hefty dose of creativity to make it come together.
Kim! I’m so excited for you. I’d love to hear more. Shoot me a note if you want to share! The kids and I are dreaming of a trip abroad as well so I’d love to pick your brain.
You are so inspiring, Rachel. Thank you for being who are created to be.
Yes, I do live in Wisconsin. I guess I had been taught that high school students ‘need’ a certain amount of credits in the right area in order to graduate.
It seems the pressure to perform is always from well meaning people. It is always hard to go off the beaten path, but we are so much happier doing it. Yes, creativity is key. I can do that. Thanks again and enjoy this lovely summer day.
Beautiful and so true. Thanks for inspiring me. Today I woke up a little blue, but this post has reminded me of simple truths.
Hi Rachel- I emailed you this morning so if you didn’t get it let me know!
Inspiring as always Rachel! I actually feel we are doing pretty well in this department (although since we are starting home school next month I’m sure challenges await!).
New neighbors moved in next door to us with 3 girls for Teagie to play with! it has been WONDERFUL to see her out playing and exploring everyday with them. But it does point out more each day as we get to know them how differently we live from the average suburban family (buying almost nothing but vintage, no cable tv, voting with our dollars). So far, no bad reactions as to why we live this way. Just awe and wonder 🙂
PS. Last night we met yet another set of neighbors with kids and after the mom (who’s a teacher) wondered into our yard looking for her kids she actually complemented our crazy yard (weeds and all!) I couldn’t help but think of your post about us being too critical of our gardens. Guess I’m doing something right after all!
Love this. Love, love, love this! I think I need to post in on my fridge and keep reading it throughout the day. It has me wondering, I wonder what my life COULD look like. I think it’s time to find out.