the "if" in Life

There are two types of people in life: the ones who make things happen and the ones who let things happen. However, both start with the same notion, "If [blank] happens, I will do [blank]." The difference between the two is action and inaction. For quite some time, I have focused on the latter. I seem to be waiting for something to happen in my life without realizing that often it is up to us to make anything worthwhile happen in our lives.

Tonight, someone gave me a great compliment and said they admired me for always being a "go-getter" no matter the consequences. I suppose I have, in the past, gone and done things most wouldn't think of doing. The majority of people are happy to stay in their comfort zones and do what society dictates as normal. I have never been that type of person. I have always prided myself on doing everything against the norm. I always knew that I never wanted to be like everyone else.

It seems I was so busy not doing what everyone else was doing that I don't seem to be doing much at all for myself. I believe it's appropriate to quote the Doors here when I say, "The time to hesitate is through." It's time for action. No more waiting to see what happens. I have dreams and goals that I have ignored for too long now. I have let fear motivate me instead of courage. There is too much inside of me that can be used to better this world. It is a waste of space on my part if I do nothing with it. I have been afraid to grow up and made the most being one of those who followed the "inaction" philosophy. I successfully avoided adulthood and now, I'm over it. It's time to embrace the future and become the woman I am meant to be.

If I don't embrace that now, I will be forced to endure the same cycle of failure over and over in a small town that has nothing here for me. If I don't get out of this town, I will be bitter and cruel by the age of 35. If I get out & try to do all those things I dream of, I can look back and at least say I did it. Regardless of where it will lead, the goal to get out & try something new is the difference between staying in Neverland and growing up. If I listen to that inner voice that says, "Do it!" then perhaps I will finally find my own way and be happy. I have been searching for quite awhile to find happiness. My resources have dried out here and it's time to go to greener pastures.

The "if" in life is whether or not you take those chances to make yourself happy. If I do this, I will make life better for myself. If I do this, I will change the pattern I have been living in and make something of myself. If I stop worrying about failing, I might actually find a way to succeed. If I follow my own theory of not letting the "what if" pass me by, I will end up exactly where I'm meant to be. "If" is only a two letter word...the four letter ones are always much more fun. Especially "life."