I was once ambitious. I had the fire. I was willing to explore the highway. I told myself I’d overcome all the obstacles, climb the top of the mountain, and make a difference. But somewhere along the road, I took a detour and never went back to the path I originally wanted for myself. Somewhere along the road, I lost myself.
What happened?
I feel like I no longer have that fiery spirit one needs to succeed. I lost my competitive streak. The sad part? I was aware but I never did anything to bring it back. Or if I ever did, it obviously wasn’t enough.
I was an adventurer willing to venture into the unknown. But somewhere along my adventures, I came across a comfortable zone that I didn’t know I craved until I was there. Unknowingly, I settled in and the comfort was too great I couldn’t get out.
Photo from: http://quotespictures.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/the-comfort-zone-is-like-addictive-drug.jpg
Or maybe I could but deep inside the recesses of my consciousness, I didn’t want to resist that pull. Maybe during one of those short intervals wherein my fiery spirit resurfaced, I didn’t cooperate. Oh I did try. Many times, in fact. But not enough. It obviously wasn’t enough.
Maybe I wasn’t the determined adventurer I thought I was. Maybe the failures and mistakes I thought I conquered left wounds I never noticed and wore me out. As the path became more challenging with all its traps and barricades, did doubt in what I’m capable of creep in making detours more tempting? Was the blazing fire I thought I had merely a flame from a candle? Easily lit, but easily extinguished. Was I not good enough for the path I’ve chosen?
I feel like I’m stranded for a very long time now. From this small haven I call my comfort zone, I observed countless others fighting their own battles. While I was willingly trapped, I watch them take a step forward towards their goals and dreams. Become a beacon of hope and a role model to those who still have a lot of challenges cut out for them. Then I’d think, “Why am I still here? Haven’t I over welcomed my leisurely stay? Shouldn’t I be out there making my mark in the world too?” Finally, reality is slowly catching up with me.
From someone who detoured and chose to be a spectator as others traveled their paths, I realized that the road I was in isn’t even worthy of comparison to the roadblocks that tried to hold others back. I let a few tumbles stop me when others had to jump off a cliff. If their fire remained, why can’t mine? If they were able to find joy in every step, why can’t I? Why did I choose to be happy in my comfort zone instead of being happy at the sense of accomplishment I’ll get if I participated in the race as well?
I let opportunities pass by because I was too comfortable. Why am I settling for less when I can have more? Why did I lose the competitiveness I used to love about myself? Why am I not as driven to better myself anymore? Instead of being a tiny flame that can cause a forest fire, I easily let a little bit of wind put me out.
What happened? I asked.
I happened. Somewhere along the road, I turned myself into my own roadblock. I was the one holding myself back, denying me of the life I wanted. I became the detour that trapped me into a comfort zone of my own creation. Am I the only one suffering from this affliction?
I haven’t done anything because what time I was given, I wasted on the senseless while others have made the most out of theirs. Seeking out opportunities and turning obstacles into windows of opportunity. I chose to see my scars in the form of self doubt and insecurities instead of seeing them as a reminder that I can heal from whatever mistakes or failures I’ve been through. I chose to see a glass as half empty instead of half full. I’m less because I allowed myself to be contented with less. I chose to spend my time on triviality instead of participating in substantial and life changing opportunities. Because of this, I haven’t accomplished as much as I initially wanted to. We’re a product of our choices and their consequences. In my case, I became a roadblock that I have yet to overcome.
Will knowing that I was at fault make me a better person again? Is wishing that I can escape the lesser self I’ve become enough? Will planning my escape from this roadblock I’ve created bring me back the fire I needed to make the escape possible?
No.
What is merely a thought will remain a thought until they are put into action. It’s just then that they will start making a difference. It’s then that I can finally find again the path I originally planned on pursuing and become the better person I wanted to be.
A roadblock should be seen as an opportunity, not an obstacle. A chance to be better. Stronger. Wiser.
And now, there’s a new roadblock a few steps ahead. A new opportunity to prove something for myself. I’ve been thinking, planning and enjoying long enough.
It’s time to make a difference.
The Rambling Philosopher 
It’s easy to get sucked into a routine. I wish you the best of luck
There’s a great lesson in losing track of our priorities. They always prove to become greater in the end. Good luck! 🙂
The most important thing I learned about life is you have to choose well and engage yourself only in matters that you truly feel passionate about and are of considerable importance to you.
Take your time, dear young lady. Sometimes, things will simply fall into the right places on their own.
That’s the sad part. Sometimes, you have to set aside the things you are truly passionate about because you have to take into consideration that they might not be practical or as productive. 😦
Hey there fellow rambling philosopher! You have written a great article here that I know many will relate to…including myself. I’ve also shared this internal struggle as you can see by your second quote in this post. I’m glad those words were something that you could also relate to.
It’s tough to say those things to yourself. Great article, such wise words. I liked the sort of practical way you have figured things out of how things are not working, taking responsibility for yourself(which is awesome!, playing victim is too cliched and annoying) now you can get to where you want. Good luck, hope you find what you are looking for 🙂