“Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.” – George Bernard Shaw
Why don’t we question more things in our lives? Most of us tend to take on the beliefs and ideas of how to live our lives from our family and the environment we grow up in. However, without questioning it seems we will never be able to make our own decisions and create a new lifestyle design. Knowledge comes from simply questioning all aspects of our lives.
For me, I was 32 before I stopped and started asking all the hard questions about my life. Up until that point I was living the life that was expected of me – college, good job, wife, big house, 2 weeks of vacation a year, and a plan from there that was as predictable as the rising sun. While I was always a happy person, I was stuck in someone else’s life. At that point, I started asking some difficult questions on each of my core beliefs:
- Am I happy in this marriage?
- Do we really want kids? Can we make the decision NOT to have them?
- Is my career the most important thing in my life?
- Do I have to believe in god?
- Does buying stuff make me happy?
- Do I have to keep striving for a larger home?
- What are my political affiliations? Do I think differently from my parents?
- Is travel really MY dream?
Looking back now I am shocked at how liberating this process has been. I am finally living my life on my terms based on a purposeful design. The best part is, I have never been happier.
By asking tough questions we are able to make our own decisions in life based on the broad set of information available to us. I challenge you to ask questions as you go through life. Don’t just take things at face value or because those around you say it is so. Try to understand your feelings on different areas in your life. Use this information to create your own path that makes you happy. You will enjoy how freeing the experience can be.
What questions have you asked that have changed your path?
About Warren
The three most liberating questions were:
Do I have to become a college professor like everyone expects?
Do I have to have kids?
Do I have to marry someone of my religion?
Hi MRC,
Thank you so much for sharing the questions that shaped your life. College professor? Those are big expectations placed upon you and I would love to know what you decided.
These are big questions and I love that you have delved into them to shape your path.
Thanks for the lead- in MRC (missed you yesterday)
My most liberating and early questions were:
Will I have a fulfilled life if I choose not to have children?
Is it necessary to visit a ‘structure’ called church in order to have spiritual fulfillment?
Who am I NOT to pursue my deepest desires?
To you Talbots – one of my greatest pleasures in life has been witnessing your growth into true happiness.
Journey on!
Debb,
Thank you for the kind words. You really made our morning reading your comment over coffee. You must also know that a lot of our happiness comes from being able to live this life with you all as such great friends.
The last question is extremely insightful and something that I will ponder tonight over a nice glass of wine. Thanks for spurring a new question for me!