Yesterday, my dad and I saw the latest Shrek movie. It wasn’t as funny as the previous three, but it did have a very important message that inspired this post. That’s right, this post is brought to you by a big green, animated ogre. Without ruining it for anyone who might want to see the movie, I’ll just give the gist of the story. Shrek and Fiona have settled into family life with their three babies. Every day blends into the next, and Shrek eventually begins to wonder if this is really the life he wants. He misses being a scary ogre with no one to answer to but himself.
Although we may have little else in common with Shrek, this is definitely a feeling that everyone can relate to. We have all had moments when we look at how our life has turned out and question our happiness. This is most apt to happen when we fall into a routine and feel our life has taken on a monotony and predictability. But, we can also question our choices when we make a significant change like starting our first job after college, taking on a leadership role, or moving to a new place for a new opportunity.
In the first scenario, it’s important to realize that there is nothing wrong with routine, as long as we’re happy. That’s the first question you should ask yourself, “Am I happy?” If the answer is yes, good for you! If the answer is no, try to figure out why you’re not, and take action to make a change. Maybe you need to make a little time for yourself to do something you love. Having that to look forward to can make it easier to get through the trials and tribulations of every day. If you are happy, learn to love and accept your routine. Normal doesn’t mean boring. I will be the first to tell you that exciting is overrated. I’ve had way too much excitement in my life over the past couple of years, and I welcome the days that are normal and routine.
Making a significant change in our lives can be pretty scary, and can cause us to question if we really want to take that leap of faith. Think about whether the short term challenges of transition will pay off in the long term. If the answer is yes, then just keep that in the back of your mind and press forward. If the change will only make your life more difficult, you have to decide if it’s really worth it. Make sure you’re doing the right thing for you, and try to think realistically. Don’t get so caught up in dreamland that you underestimate the sacrifices you’ll have to make to achieve that dream. Keep in mind that as difficult as change can be, it can also be incredibly rewarding.
Your life may not be perfect, but that doesn’t mean it’s not amazing. There’s no need to compare yourself to others and wish that you had their life instead because you don’t, and you never will. Sure, you can aspire to be like someone and work to achieve equal success, but your life is yours alone. Make the most of the journey, find the silver lining whenever you can, and remember that the grass isn’t always greener. Life is too short to be anything but happy. If you can’t quite embrace happiness, at least make the most of the situation you’re in.
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