What if?
“The secret to happiness is letting every situation be what it is, instead of what you think it should be.”
Originally, this began as an Instagram caption, but quickly turned into a lengthy heartfelt peak into my heart right now. Generally we think of ‘what if’ and we say, “go for it,” “do it,” “what if it turns out great!” And I love those kinds of what ifs, but this week I’ve been thinking of a lot of different what ifs. Maybe you can relate in some way, and I hope that this brings you a sense of peace that you’re not alone, there is so much good around you, and its okay to let yourself feel those not so comfortable feelings sometimes.
What if I lived a normal life? What if I wasn’t a military wife? What if by the time I have kids my niece and nephew are too old to get along with my children? What if I was able to actually live in a house I loved and might be able to stay in forever? What if I lived on the same continent as my family? What if I made friends that I’d be able to live around for more than just a couple of years?
Well, I wouldn’t be married to my husband. He is one of my greatest blessings and surely I’d do anything for him. Surely I’d rather not live a ‘normal’ life. Maybe I’d be able to have kids now instead of feeling the need to wait, but isn’t trying to base when we’re having children on where we’re living and when we’re moving next just a bit more exciting?! ;) Not to mention our newfound love of last minute adventure travels. Maybe I'd have a beautiful home we could grow roots in, but I wouldn’t get to experience the world in random houses available when we need one, learning EVERYTHING I need in my future home ( ;) ) before we get to that point? And now, I have friends all over the world, and that’s pretty cool. Oh what gratitude I already have for the days we live by Target, in a home we adore, with our families close. Truly, there is beauty in that chaos. And soon, we will live closer to our families. For now, the chaos is one of my greatest blessings.
What if I just stayed a CPA and worked my old job as an auditor forever? What if people think I’m stupid or unintelligent because I’m “just a blogger” or “just an influencer?” What if people don’t like that I’m talking about more travel and lifestyle on my blog and instagram? What if people think I’m a narcissist because I’m a blogger and I actually like sharing my life and thoughts on a public platform?
Well, surely I’d be more respected and seen as more intelligent at first glance, and I’d have a pretty sound career ahead of me. But I’d never know the feeling of making my career out of the thing that truly lights up my life, brings fulfillment, and makes me feel like I’m fulfilling a bigger purpose in my life. I’d surely never have become an author. And this I know for sure, I wouldn’t have been truly happy or feeling like I’m doing what I was created to do. And I guess that’s their problem, not mine, right? As a blogger and influencer I’m actually an accountant, marketing specialist, social media director, creative, tech specialist, negotiator, and customer service all rolled up into one. Well, I did start focused solely on health and fitness, which grew into holistic health coaching and blogging, which ultimately made me realize the reasons I am so passionate about those things is because they help me truly live a life I’m proud of. They make me confident, abundant minded, joyful, grateful, more optimistic, energetic, and simply happy. Isn’t that actually the point? As a health coach it always began around food and fitness, and ALWAYS moved into much more. Relationships, career, joy, spirituality...life. So maybe if I can reach more people by simply sharing my life and thoughts regardless of “niche” then maybe that will help me spread my ultimate message - life is meant to be enjoyed and lived to its fullest. As for narcissism, well, every day I aim to add value to someone's life. Whether that's a laugh, a new recipe, a healthy hack, a travel tip, or literally anything that makes their day even just a little bit brighter, I know that my intent is of service, and that’s enough for me.
What if I’m doing exactly what I’m supposed to be doing? God’s plan for me is unfolding perfectly as we speak? What if I’m exactly where I’m meant to be?