One Month Anniversary - This life

One month ago today, I celebrated my first day of unemployment. I am proud to say that his month has been more than I ever expected it to be. Overall, everything about me feels better. My bank account has shrunk, but my energy has increased. It took me so long to muster up the courage to leave my job and never turn back. I had the hardest time picturing life without my steady paycheck. Most of all I was afraid of what other people would think. But I guess this is the age when you stop caring about what other people think and do what makes you happy.

This life I am living, takes an open mind that's for sure. But the few things I've noticed so far are: life always goes on, you always make it through, miracles happen everyday, money does not have to rule your life, and time isn't money...money replaces time. I'm proud to have my time. Having time allows me to not spend money. It's funny because when I was working I was always stressing about money. Spending each paycheck before I even received it. I've cut almost everything unnecessary out of my life and money is not a worry anymore. Ironically, the lack of money makes me worry less than the abundance of money. 

This life isn't for everyone, that's for sure. It isn't for people who have fallen prey to consumerism. It isn't for people who have credit card debt and large monthly mortgages and car payments. It isn't for people who define themselves through their career and their image they portray. It isn't for those who are working their way up the corporate ladder to one day enjoy retirement. It isn't for people who have no passion, no hobbies, no ideas. It isn't for those who are striving for the American Dream. 

Years ago Steve Jobs gave a speech to a Stanford graduating class. I heard the speech for the first time on Thanksgiving 2011 as I was sitting at home posting items to my etsy shop, el cheapo Vintage.. Two quotes he said ultimately forced me into making a change, and have stuck with me since then. 

My favorite quote:

"If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?" And whenever the answer has been "No" for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something.- Steve Jobs

And the next favorite:

“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma – which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of other’s opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.” -Steve Jobs

You can read the entire speech here! It's pretty powerful. 

I am proud of every accomplishment I have obtained in my life. I've completed goals, I've beat odd, I've excelled where others have failed. But my proudest moment, thus far has to be the moment I am living in now. I'm proud to be living my life. Proud to be present in each day not regretting the past or worrying about the future. Proud to have had the courage to step outside of a box placed around me by the society I live in.