Image by eyebrizzle
If you’re reading this on a computer screen, you’re part of a new reality; a world where you’re granted greater options – an almost overwhelming array of ‘choices’ – more so than anyone else before you.
So why, then, does the 21st century condition seems to be that of helplessness? Why do we all feel so damn LOCKED on the course we’re already headed, be it academically, professionally, geographically, or in the grander scheme of loving our life?
For decades the ‘youth’ has been pegged as apathetic (you hippies were a lot to live up to, Mom and Dad!) And I’ll admit it, I’ve played that blame game myself – writing off my peers with uncontained frustration.
But that’s a simplistic perspective, the reflected image of our own insecurity. When I really look around me, when I really strive to witness, the picture is very different. I see a vast [and growing!] collection of incredible movers and makers, of fighters and artists, intellectuals and entrepreneurs, all burning with creative fire to DO SOMETHING meaningful.
But for some reason, these dynamic, diverse individuals, are allowing themselves to be pacified. They’re mired in doubt, convinced that what they may do . . . won’t matter. ‘Resistance is futile’.
What’s missing?
Image by Cig Harvey
Last night I shared a long conversation over steaming tea and jaggery, with a girlfriend who’d just had a startling realization. She proclaimed to me, giddy in her liberation, “I could just quit my job. I could . . . I could move to Brazil and teach yoga! I could totally do that!”
YES! Yes Yes Yes! That’s the connection to make.
Maybe you live in Nome, Alaska. But maybe, eating local organic whole foods would mean the world to you, would change your relationship to your body or to the Earth. Well . . . you don’t have to live in Nome Alaska! You *can* uproot your life and LEAVE (I did!)
If your city lacks an inspiring subculture . . .
If your partner scoffs at your wildest ambitions . . .
If your parents won’t accommodate your veg*n intentions . . .
If your job leaves you wilted and unfulfilled . . .
MAKE CHANGES. Take risks, dream big, no bigger, follow through, and don’t ever be passive in your life’s direction. Be an active player – an ACTIVIST – in Every. Thing. You. Do.
Statistically speaking, periods of recession are hotbeds of revolution. Now is the time to be extreme. Now is the time to find your bliss and live your truth.
There is nothing strong enough to stop you.
Conclusion: I would never dream of telling you how to live your life. My point is to remind you to stay EMPOWERED. You are in control, and your decisions set the course. And the course can change, anytime you wish it.
Amycat
12 August, 2009
This is an amazing article. I’m suffering from something very similar at the moment. I’ve stopped playing music and I’ve stopped DOING what I know I can do. I’m only 19, but I feel totally and completely uncertain and almost unable to do all the brilliant things I know I can do. I have dreams of leaving Australia and moving overseas, maybe to the states, and having my music heard by a larger audience, but I feel I’m not big enough for that.
Hearing someone else write about what my subconsciousness is constantly telling me is motivating, and comforting.
So thanks :D
<3 Amycat.
Tammi
12 August, 2009
My husband and I did pack up and move. :) And we are LOVING our life here.
Great blog!
Kathryn
13 August, 2009
Sayward, thanks. I can’t tell you how relevant this is to how I’m feeling at the moment.
Deciding where to go to college, what to do with my life, how I could ever possibly do all that I want to do…they’re big issues for me right now. I’m constantly re-evaluating my goals and plans.
So, thank you for writing this, and thank you for the indirect encouragement,
And, as I’ve written before, I love your blog. I’ve told everyone and their mother about it. (Unfortunately – or fortunately – I mean that quite literally.)
JLC
13 August, 2009
This was a wonderful post and it comes at a perfect time. It reached me during a ‘down’ moment and it helped.
Thanks!
PS – We packed up and moved from our home town to PDX within a month! It was a thrilling experience!
Adam Kunzler
13 August, 2009
Thank you.
Sara
13 August, 2009
This is such a good article! Thanks for helping us empower ourselves :).
Quick grammar note:
“I could just quite my job. I could . . . I could move to Brazil and teach yoga! I could totally do that!”
Do you mean quit? Sorry my mom’s an English teacher, I am nuts, hehe.
Brooke
13 August, 2009
Sayward,
All I have to say is thank you. I needed to read that today.
Amber
13 August, 2009
Enjoyed this article so much I sent it to my honey!
Aislinn
13 August, 2009
I am always a little saddened when I meet people who have lived in the same place their whole lives and have no interest whatsoever in traveling or the outside world. I teach English in Mexico and many of my students don’t even read a newspaper. Thanks for the inspiration, it cheered me up a bit today as I am counting down the last few months I have left living here until I can move back to the States and start grad school. Love the blog! :)
Sayward
13 August, 2009
Everyone, thank you so much for this positive response. I must admit, it took a lot of courage for me to post this. It’s out of the realm of what I usually write about, and I wasn’t sure how it would go over or if it would be well received. It just warms me up inside, hearing that it has touched you all the way I’d hoped it would.
So you’re welcome, but really, Thank YOU.
Lee Hoffman
14 August, 2009
Sayward Grat article & insite this is why Lisa & I moved & changed careers & bought a boat….
Amanda
17 August, 2009
This is my first time reading your blog, I happened upon it when searching for master cleanse journal as I am currently doing the cleanse and enjoy reading about what others experience to help me along. I LOVED this piece! :) I have so many similar feelings and have trouble organizing my words to make sense and help others understand how I feel. I’m actually on this journey of “making changes”. Getting ready to quit my job and go volunteer on an organic farm in Hawaii. Your words are very helpful, gave me shivers and put a smile on my face. I am so glad that SOMEONE out there understands!!
Sayward
18 August, 2009
@ Lee Hoffman – I know, you guys are a total inspiration! I love the way you embrace your lives!
@ Amanda – Thank you, it means so much to me to hear that feedback. And good luck on your journey, an organic farm in Hawaii sounds, well, like heaven. Way to follow your heart!
Jenny B.
19 August, 2009
my favorite post to date:) Have moved all over the world and am ready to do it again….2010 Montreal:) thanks for this post xoxo
daoine o'
20 August, 2009
i’ve been visiting your site for a few months and absolutely *love* it. i’ve wanted to comment to various posts but just never found the right words, but this time i had to.
this post was simply wonderful…very moving and inspirational, and obviously heartfelt! i’ve forwarded the link to several friends and told them to look up your site as well. you are truly an inspiration, and a real doll! i love your style! :-D
keep up the great work!
Sayward
24 August, 2009
@ Jenny B. – Thanks dear, that means so much to me! I’m just overwhelmed with how well this has been received. You all continue to amaze me!!!
@ daoine o’ – Thanks so much! And I’m so glad you found the words. ;) I love the comments and they constantly inspire and motivate me, so don’t be shy. And I’ll keep doing my very best!!
Patrick
9 September, 2009
Thank you for these simple yet meaningful words. It is such a riveting time in my life where anything in and out of my creative reach is so possible if I just DO the life I LOVE. I hope you don’t mind, I’m sharing the word all over town!
Sayward
10 September, 2009
@ Patrick – I’m so happy my words have helped to inspire you. And I’m glad you know that you CAN do whatever you dream!
And please, Share! Share! =D
Allie
18 September, 2009
Say- I can’t tell you how uplifting it was to read this entry. I just came upon your blog today, and the second I read your suggestion to paint re-used tire potato planters pink and cover them with glitter, I knew I was hooked for life.
Thank you for this. I really hope to see you and Damian soon! Tons of love to you both.
- Allie
Sayward
22 September, 2009
@ xiaoma – Aw, thanks! That’s just what I hope to hear. =)
@ Allie – Hey Lady! I’m so glad you like the blog. And I’m so excited to see you guys too. We’re thinking Ashland in early October. Can’t wait!!!
Ben
24 September, 2009
Fantastic article! Totally sums up how I’ve been feeling lately. Where I live, there seems to be an accepted, “status quo” path in life. All of my closest friends are getting married, buying houses half a mile away from their parents, vying for cubicle-esque jobs… But whatever works for them. I just think it’s a terrible waste of “what could be” (we’re in our early twenties!). I’m moving to London in a week to start over, and I just wish more people would realize that we only get one shot!
Sayward
25 September, 2009
@ Ben – Wow, what a huge, brave thing to do! Congrats on following your heart, it sounds like it’s leading you well. =)
Vicki
15 November, 2009
Wow, this just gave me the chills!! I have always wondered if I was crazy for wanting my life to be an adventure. I’ve always wanted to see different places, and experience so many different things, but I always feel this obligation for my kids to just live a traditional life- but I’m not quite happy. My soul yearns for something different. :( This is inspiring!! Thanks so much.
Sayward
16 November, 2009
@ Vicki – You’re not crazy at all, your life *should* be an adventure! And what an example to set for your children, if you could show them what it means to follow your dreams?! Good luck – it’s NEVER too late!
Leah
21 December, 2009
Just found your blog and wanted to thank you! This line (”If your job leaves you wilted and unfulfilled . . .”) describes me perfectly and it was nice to read something so inspirational. I’ve got plans underway to quit that job, but it’s nice to see encouragement.
I love the vegan angle, too. Though I’m not vegan, I have been vegan before and my mom is currently, and I love learning new recipes!
Keep writing!
Sayward
22 December, 2009
@ Leah – Your welcome, and welcome to the blog! I’m so glad you found this article inspiring. Congratulations on all your plans – the new year is a perfect time for cleaning out and freshening up.
Luck!
Bea
22 July, 2010
I love your blog, and I think you are amazing!
29 Comments to You Are Not Trapped Inside Your Life