Limitations-Schmimitations

It's been awhile since I have shared anything with the cyber-world, and I would like to give a big apology up front.

My recent transition from Texan to Chicagoan has definitely provided a variety of life lessons and the last year of quiet thoughts keeps leading me back to one very large space: limitations. I want to share this entry from my book with anyone who is bored enough to read it, in hopes that there is a deeper understanding of what overcoming this means.  

"I do not long for the good old days, even though I love the remember whens. I do not think I am a product of my environment; rather I will be a producer of my environment. I was brought up as close to poverty as one can govern, but my mind is my wealth. The biggest distinction in my thoughts than the average Joe’s, is that I will never allow myself to be limited"

This is the unedited chapter of my book, so please forgive the juvenile structure, however my idea is there. The key word and the big, empty space is "limitation".

Isn’t it true that so many of us are conditioned to be "humble" and "selfless" yet often this is sacrificing our own personal happiness? Isn’t it true that we set out to take on a job or a relationship that is merely safe or comfortable rather than a captivating? Isn't it true that we move linearly in life, possibly having glimpses of eccentricity, but quickly refocusing back on the path we are told we should take? I have, time and time again. Most will quit when they experience rejection, or find their way into a difficult and seemingly irreconcilable situation. Most will make excuses or appear as a martyr because they have convinced themselves they have failed. And most will bludgeon their psyche for doing something viewed as snobbery.

Setting limitations on myself has been the worst evil I have ever accomplished. I allowed myself to grow weary and feel weak because I am, in fact, just a bartender. What I am forgetting, is that I AM a bartender. When was it ever subordinate to make money? Since when has a title ever defined me? How did I forget that? I set limitations on myself and created a life that I drag my feet. I have always had big dreams, and always had big ideas but why do I the feel pressure against me?

Jumping states in order to ground myself from the pretensions and glittery possessions is what I thought I was doing. I sold everything I owned, left everyone and every comfort I had to prove to myself I was not shallow. After many months, weeks, days, and hours of thought- perhaps my heart was in the right place but my head was ten steps ahead of me. My point here is not to outline all the "things" I had or the "things" I did, but to understand that I...and you...got there because we are limitless.

The world loves the outgoing, loves the dreamers, and loves the willing and the fearless. They will jump on their shoulders to be a part of those who they see as heroes in professions, relationships or just in life. I am by no means a hero, but I am bigger than I am playing in this game of life.

And that's just it.  My life thus far I have thought, I have seen, I have jumped off a few cliffs without knowing how to operate my parachute. Somehow, I have managed to land safely. By setting limitations on myself, I realize I am sacrificing a very large part of me and not inspiring others to take on their dreams.

Moving forward with my realization, I will challenge myself to continue the power of the non-linear thinking.   I want to be the inspiration in others, even just a single person, which conjures the courage to stop at nothing.  Wouldn’t it be invigorating knowing that “things” do not define us, but rather it was the work behind it that has granted us the power to obtain, simultaneously cultivating self awareness, happiness and inspiration to those who need an extra push”?  I say “limitation-schmimitation”! Don’t settle for anything in life, because maybe you ARE too valuable not to have everything.

Live out Loud,

Jenn