Do you ever wonder what your life would be like if you’d done things differently? Where would you be now if you’d chosen an alternative path when making a key decision?
I think about this sometimes.
Don’t get me wrong, my life isn’t too shabby; sure, there are always things I’d like to change or improve, but I have it pretty good really.
But I’m a wonderer. I get nostalgic and wish I could catch a glimpse into an alternate universe, one where I studied at a different university, went on the trip abroad I dreamed about, chose a different career path. Not because I wish I’d made that decision, I just think it would be cool to see another version of myself living the reality I could have had.
Nowadays it seems we’re always wondering. Modern life is full of pressures that our parents’ generation never faced. We grow up being told that we can have it all. We have so many opportunities; it can be hard to feel fulfilled because there’s always something on the list that you haven’t managed to achieve.
I’ve always been hard on myself. Worried that I could be doing better on assignments, I should have a better job, be earning more, be writing more, going out more often and travelling the world. I compare myself to other people and judge myself harshly.
I know a lot of people who do the same.
We complain constantly that our lives aren’t better, that we don’t have the money do the things we want. But the world has changed now; it’s more consumerist than it ever was.
Our parents finished their education and got a job. They got married, bought a house and had a family. They didn’t have to worry about paying for the latest smartphone, Sky TV and gym memberships. Everything is more expensive now, but in some ways we have more than ever before.
I guess what I’m trying to say is that the world is a crazy whirlwind of decisions and bills and savings accounts. Of worrying about what to do next or how to pay the mortgage. Hell, how to even afford a mortgage in the first place.
So it’s okay to take a step back sometimes and just wonder. Don’t forget about where you came from; the dreams that you had when you were younger.
Maybe the way to make your life better isn’t to earn more money so you can buy a better car or a bigger house. Remember the things you used to do for love. They’re still there, waiting for you to love them again.
Sammy says
I think I remember us talking about this as we sipped our cocktails!
Amy says
Yep, that’s where the idea for this post came from! Consider yourself my muse 😉
Sammy says
I’m not sure I have been a muse before! Feels good!
Amy says
Well watch this space, I might be planning something else…
Sammy says
Intrigued…