There Is More Than One Way
To most things in life, including how you live it.
A couple of months ago, I was having a conversation with a friend who seemed adamant that I am “flying by the seat of my pants” in how I live my life because it hasn’t been a projection of mapped out plans, neatly lined up. That’s not how my mind works.
Those who know me well wouldn’t say that I fly by the seat of my pants. I’ve been an over-thinker and over-analyzer for most of my life, finally learning to wean myself off the teats of these divisive traits in recent years.
I still weigh the pros and cons, research, and put some thought into most things that I do. Yes, there may be smaller instances where I fly by the seat of my pants, but when it comes to bigger change that isn’t the case. After all, I spent nearly a year planning my move to Europe.
I feel the bigger issue my friend was taking with my life changes is that they are not how he would handle his life. This is a career military guy who is used to taking orders from others, moving and doing what he is told and when. My brain instantly looks for the emergency exit, ready to revolt against any orders. I have always been a bit defiant, especially towards people who I do not respect or have no respect for me. And growing up, I had to move around a lot being a product of a military household. So I promised myself that I would not do that to myself as an adult. I would be more in charge of my life.
To say there is more than one way to live my life—for you to live yours—is an understatement. Too many people have been brainwashed by society’s definitions of success and failure, freely adopting these without pausing to question them. In my opinion, most people don’t question enough in life. And because I’m a big questioner and refuse to live my life according to someone else’s vision, I’ve chosen a different way that is outside the conventional “norm” of how I should be living it.
I’m a woman in my forties who has no children, has never been married, and has chosen to move alone to live in foreign countries. I have never purchased a home. I do not have a college degree. I have supported myself since I was 19 years old.
Do I worry sometimes about my future? Sure. Do I wonder about how I will live this new life I’ve been dreaming of for myself? Yes. Do I dwell on these things? No. My resilience muscle is strong at this point in my life, because I have done it on my own, because I have picked myself up no matter how hard the fall has been. And when I am determined to make something happen, I do it.
I will continue to be open and receptive to what may unfold, embracing this new life that I am creating for myself. It isn’t perfect, but that’s not what I’m striving for. I want something different than what I’ve had, something more fulfilling, more peaceful, richer, and fuller.
So I will fly by the seat of my pants from time to time to satisfy my curiosity for new adventures, exploring new places, trying new foods, experiencing new things. I will continue to live my life with my idea of balance, mixing both planning and intuitive go-for-it moments. After all, that’s my way of living life. What’s yours?
A Few Notes…
For many of my subscribers, it’s been a bit since I last visited your inbox. I wasn’t sure how to continue with my writing. Then I moved abroad. I launched Global Gal Jen on a separate Substack. Why did I do that? Many of you missed out on these posts; some of you are familiar with them.
Global Gal Jen will sit housed here on Uncage Your Courage. This feels better. After all, moving to a new country is one of my biggest acts of uncaging my courage to date. And that’s what this Substack is all about. Why should my subscribers miss out on any of my content? Whether sharing a post specific to my global journey or a reflection of life in general, all can be found here moving forward.
Also new is a Favorite Things section because sharing is fun! Any favorite things I share about can always be found here. And I may start a new section for my creative writing. I’m still thinking on that one. Stay tuned!
I want to thank each of you for following me on my journey, regardless of how long you’ve been a part of it. I’m done overthinking this. As I continue to uncage my courage, I hope you join me in uncaging yours.
If you enjoyed reading this, please share it with a friend or two. I’d be so grateful. You can also click on the heart above or below this post to further show your support. 😀
