You Are The Author Of The Book Of Your Life
I have to admit, when I penned The Small Decision That Changed My Life last week I was a little uneasy. When I say a little, what I really mean to say is I read that thing over 42 times and stared at the Publish button for a mere hour. It’s never crossed my mind before to say to myself “hey dude, you should write about talking to yourself in bed and how tears were rolling down your face….what a great idea.”
Well here we are. After battling the pros and cons of touching on a vulnerable point in my life I remembered why I started this project in the first place. I want this blog to further the conversation about everyday experiences in our lives and how they are shaping who we are. I encourage you to share your experiences, your battles, and your stories with others in hope to find a way to impact and connect the people around us. In order to do that I felt like it was important to shed some light on a part of my journey and open up to you. I’m more comfortable with myself than I have ever been and am hoping that we can continue to connect on a deeper level. I have a story. You have a story. The more we can share our stories and what we learned is how we can help one another.
Still with me? Good. Now to the point of this post. Here we go.
Last week I sent out an email to our subscribers regarding a variety of things including vulnerability, Matthew McConaughey, and hooded sweatshirts. If you haven’t yet be sure to subscribe anywhere on this site that says subscribe, join me, or subscribe. Or Join Me. Those emails are where the conversations really take off.
In that email I included a YouTube video of a condensed speech that McConaughey gave at the University of Houston’s commencement last year. If you haven’t listened to it yet I invite you to below. It’s a quick 5 minutes. I find it way easier to focus and hear the message without watching the video, but nevertheless:
What did you take away? Was there anything that stuck out to you, perhaps an “ah-ha” moment?
The message in that video has really stayed with me this past year. I listen to it often as a good reminder of things I’ve identified and continue to focus on in my own life. I love the line “Prioritize who you are, who you want to be and don’t spend time with anything that antagonizes your character.” In life, in work, in our family, and in our social lives we are all faced with decisions. It’s important for us to dig deep and identify the decisions that are ultimately the best for us, regardless of the short term pain or consequences.
Listening to this also reminds me of times where it felt like I was sitting on the sideline and watching life just pass by. There were too many instances where I wasn’t moving the needle, tending my garden, or trying to squeeze the juice out of life. There are periods throughout all of our lives where we feel like we’re “stuck” or just “coasting” through life. Every day is the same. We have the same interactions with the same people, the same weekends, and the same Netflix show 6 hours a night.
Maybe it hasn’t been that bad for some of you. Maybe it’s been worse. I’ve personally gone through way too many coasting phases in my life. It’s frustrating just thinking about some of those phases. Remember how precious our time is? If only I had been as aware then as I am now.
I enjoy the entire message and points made in the video above, but the last line may be my favorite.
“So turn the page, get off the ride. You are the author of the book of your life.”
Ah-ha moment? Hit by a train? Cool quote, but so what? Here’s my take.
Turn the Page
Our lives are filled with decisions. Millions of them. Some turn out great, some turn out terrible, and some keep us even. We make mistakes, we don’t study, we lose a client, end a relationship, buy the shoes, get a bowl cut, type lIkE tHiS, or cheer for Green Bay. Whatever it may be in your own story, a decision was made. I’ve come to learn and truly believe this: decisions, events in our lives, and the circumstances from those decisions and events happen to all of us. Those shouldn’t define you. What you decide to do with those things shape who you are. Move on, continue to learn and grow, and don’t dwell on the past. Turn the page!
Get Off The Ride
Here’s what I think about when I read that: Endless loops. Cycles. Routines. Conformity. Coasting. “The Ride” is the continuous life loop that most of us can find ourselves in without even being fully aware. Are all routines or loops bad? Of course not. Are those same routines and loops bad if you are constantly fighting an emotional roller coaster, not going after something you dream about, always waiting for the weekend, or why you always feel bored? I’ve gone through these loops. Time passed and I didn’t move the needle. Get out and gain new experiences. Try new things, do hobbies and work you are passionate about, and find some adventure. We continue to suffer because we fear the unknown, we fear failure, or we fear leaving our safety and security. We just stay put and continue the endless cycles over and over again. Get off the ride!
You Are the author of the book of your life
You write your story. No one else does. Do people and events and circumstances come in and out of your life? Absolutely, but those things aren’t holding the pen. You are. You create the life you want to live and how you want your story to play out. Prioritize your time, your values, your decisions, and who you surround yourself with. No matter if you’re 12 or 64, single or have a family of 9, just made the worst decision of your life, or the best. Every moment, every interaction, and every decision is a part of your story. Live with purpose. You are the author of the book of your life!
I could go on but my laptop is going to die and your thumb might fall off from scrolling here soon. I’m curious about your thoughts and if any of this relates to your story and experiences. If there’s anything to take away from that novel it’s this: YOU are in control.
You’ve made it, even with an audio clip. As I’ve touched on before, time is precious. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. It means the world to me that you have taken a chunk out of your day to follow along and read. I am so thankful for the journey and everyone who’s been involved and supported me along the way.
Keep writing.
Alright, Alright, Alright
