“We will discover the nature of our particular genius when we stop trying to conform to our own or other people’s models, learn to be ourselves, and allow our natural channel to open.”
I have three children.
The youngest, Florrie, is nine.
They amaze me with their gifts of brilliance.
It is not lost on me, however, that, as they grow older, so they are taken in more and more by the ‘system’. I see them think less like an artist and more like a careerist.
I think it was Picasso who lamented the fact that, as we grow older, the challenge is to remain childlike as an artist must. I prefer to think of this in the Zen tradition where we lose our ability to apply beginner’s mind. Perhaps it is too extreme to say we have all been brainwashed, but it sure feels like that sometimes.
As children we envisioned our dreams into adulthood. We didn’t talk about money, responsibilities or career progression. Our heart spoke to us. Many of these ideas were fleeting and informed by all manner of random things, but I wonder how many people are living out the life they always dreamed of?
Very few I imagine.
Let’s not beat around the bush. Living life on your terms is excruciatingly hard, particularly when you are limited by the obligations you have assumed. But, to be truly happy, you cannot expect to turn up every day to work, go through the motions, and think it won’t have a profound effect on you.
Just think about it. We cannot get our lives back.
Time is our greatest asset.
Retirement will soon be meaningless.
Now is the best time you have.
Stop procrastinating, and start living the life you always dreamed of.
Better still. Be you for now and ever more.
After all, surely your genius deserves more.
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