There are a few bloggers that I’m blessed to call friends and Neely is one of them. I’ve followed her blog for years and watched as she grew into the phenomenal woman she is now. She used to wear this ring that said ‘Follow Your Bliss’ and I have to say that that’s exactly what she did. Following her bliss led her to becoming the successful business owner she is now, led her to the love of her life and to becoming a soon-to-be mommy! Well that ring spoke to me too. I meant to ask her where she got it from, but never got around to it. Instead I had my own ring made, and it’s a ring I still wear today.
This simple band reminds me that my thoughts and desires in life are not only valid, but important and that I should continue to pursue what makes me happy. It reminds me to explore the world, enjoy the arts and remember that my joy and work-life balance are more important than a paycheck. I was blessed to live in a time where people don’t have to have a traditional job in order to make a living and I’m forever grateful for that. Don’t get me wrong, I love what I do and will continue doing it while I enjoy it but if the day comes where I no longer enjoy this field I will leave it with no regrets and no fear. I’ll leave it and follow my bliss elsewhere.
This mantra also covers my love life. I know that a lot of women my age have either settled down and had a few children or are in the process of doing so. While marriage and motherhood are something I’m looking forward to, I’m not ready for that now. Conforming to those societal norms are not what I would consider “following my bliss” now and that’s okay. I know, like Neely I’ll meet the love of my life someday and we’ll settle down with a few kids.
While the affirmation is universal, it doesn’t necessarily mean the same thing for everyone. My “bliss” might be getting a few stamps added to my passport every year and a few concert ticket stubs added to my collection. Yours might be opening a vineyard, finishing that screenplay or even carving more time out of your busy schedule to read more. Whatever it is, follow it. Do what makes you happy.
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