Everyone finds their fulfillment in different ways. For ee musings at Musings of an Abstract Aucklander, it will be traveling. For me, it’s nesting, having a home and a family. Who’s to say that one is better than the other? It’s all about what makes each one of us happiest.
ee musings wonders about her priorities — is there more to life than getting an office job, getting married, having children, retiring and worrying about money all the time? She wants to leave her country (New Zealand) and travel. How can she balance being fiscally responsible with the desire to live life to the fullest while young?
I’ve never felt I had to live up to anyone’s expectations, other than the expectation of doing well in school and graduating with a college degree. I wasn’t forced to be an athlete, although I did play softball in the town recreational league when I was younger because I loved the game. No one sat me behind a piano before I could read so I could become a musician; I willingly took piano lessons and learned the violin in school because I loved music. There was no parent hovering above me, drilling these interested into my brain. They were just there, and they fulfilled me.
Depending on who you talk to, I think people see me in one of two ways: Someone who is “settled down,” holding a steady job in a solid career, carefully watching her finances, not taking part in any major hobbies and needing minimal entertainment in her life. On the flip side, there are those who think I’m ambitious, motivated and frank with my opinions — someone who will stand up for what she believes in.
Trying to be someone you’re not will eventually backfire, whether you’re doing it to keep up appearances or to please others. The facade will crumble, and no one will be there to pick up the pieces but you. It will only lead to unhappiness and misery. Finding a happy medium may just be the best way to live a life without reservations.
How You Find Fulfillment in Your Life Is Up to You
Some people search their entire lives for the few things that make them happiest, while others achieve it through their everyday actions.
If you want to be the budgeting queen, then do your thing.
Driven by ambition to be at the top of your field? Go for it.
If you absolutely must take that trip to Europe, plan it today.
Happy to be home surrounded by friends and family, like me? You know what to do.
How we live our lives is an individual choice — no one can tell us how to go about it. There’s no right or wrong way, and your priorities may change over time. As long as you’re responsible with your money, respectful of others and true to yourself, you can’t go wrong.
I just want to be that cat!
Fulfillment to me is just progress.
@Sam: That cat looks pretty content, right?
Right on!!
Forget what everyone else thinks, what they want you do, and what pleases other. Take care of yourself through hobbies and interests which help you be the person you are!
I absolutely agree…. Basically don’t let others tell you what to do and go after the things that genuinely make you happy…. A little sense to avoid things like debt helps but still almost anyone can reach their dreams.
Looks like that kitten is fulfilled 😉
For me, learning + getting out of the rat race (both the journey and the progress toward the destination) are what keep me motivated and fulfilled. Blogging is a part of this, and I really enjoy it because it gives me a sense that I am a part of something and I have learned a lot from others’ stories and comments. I’ve been feeling more fulfilled since I started out!
I think for me it’s the love of learning. New experiences are also important to me. Of course, I’m easily entertained and can come up with creative ways to entertain and amuse myself. If there were ever a moment I lost my creativity, that would be the end of me!
For me, I love learning. It almost doesn’t matter what it is..I just want to always be learning new stuff. I wasn’t sure what it’d be like once I had kids, but it’s even more fun with 2 little sponges soaking it all in. I love watching my kids learn and explore. Hopefully they have the learning bug too.
There definitely are no easy answers. Can I find a way to progress my career / see the world / buy a house / have a family, pay for it all and still enjoy life along the way? I don’t know… only time will tell.
I’m with you. I find my fulfillment hanging around the house with my husband and friends. I also enjoy volunteer work since it’s an ego booster, lol. No one ever says, “Hey you, stupid volunteer, you suck.” Hahaha.
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