The Rat Race

I recently heard this very wise quote and had to share:

"The problem with the rat race is that even if you win, you're still a rat."

Think about that for a minute. Even if you're "winning" the rat race - making money, acquiring bigger and better toys - are you enjoying it? Are you really winning?

I'm not trying to downplay the importance of working hard, providing for ourselves and our families, accomplishing goals, the fun of enjoying the finer things, or the role money plays in our lives... especially in our society.

But I also know the satisfaction we get from "having" as opposed to "being" is superficial and short-lived. Don't get me wrong, I love a new pair of shoes as much as the next girl, but I try not to be fooled by the allure of false confidence that brings. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. But I always try to catch myself.

Success for me is realizing I've overcome a fear, learning to let go of a negative habit, accepting something about myself or my life I wouldn't necessarily choose, or being a source of strength or comfort for someone else.

I believe in creating balance, spending as much time as possible doing things you really love, and enjoying what you have now, instead of waiting for the arrival of the things you're chasing after or believing where you are now is not good enough.

Our culture reinforces the notion of HAVE MORE = BE MORE, but every time we reach a "have more" moment, we inevitably create a new one to chase. That wheel never stops spinning, so prepare to be running forever.

We're all running on a wheel. The question is, what are we running towards?

It's a choice.

My equation is DO MORE = GROW MORE = BE MORE

So think about what you're chasing in comparison to what you really want out of this life...not what you think you want, but what you REALLY, truly want in your heart and soul.

It might not align with what everyone else wants or expects of you, but at the end of the day, you're the only one living your life and the only one responsible for your own happiness.

Then, stop thinking and start doing.

xoxo