Have you ever been asked, “What do you want?” I’ve been asked that question all my life with regard to something as simple as choosing a location for dinner to something as complex as choosing a career. The only problem that used to occur is that I had no idea what I wanted because whenever I was asked that question, the person asking always had their own preconceived idea of what my answer should be. Therefore, as I grew up I learned to choose what everyone else wanted or expected. It is only as an adult that I’m realizing I actually do have the power of choice.

Now that I do know what I want (most of the time), I am rarely asked. I have come to believe it is because I no longer give the expected response and people, no matter how well-intentioned, only ask questions to which they believe they can control the response. It seems to be human nature to be concerned with “what’s in it for me” even when we think we’re putting the other person first.

So where am I going with this? I want you to realize what you want and go after it no matter what obstacles people may inadvertently put in front of you. Keep focused on what brings you joy and pursue your passions. Live your life, not someone else’s. At first, people around you may not know how to react and may get upset. Yet as they witness how happy you are, they will shift their perspective to wanting the best for you.

Discover choice, live purposefully and be well.