In 2007 I moved to Phoenix, Arizona and it was one of the best decisions I ever made in my life. Fast forward three years, and I had to move back to Ohio because my plan to for a new life in Arizona didn’t work out the way I thought it would. I can’t tell you why it didn’t work out but it didn’t. I loved Arizona because it’s an ideal state for someone who’s as active as I am; there’s plenty to do and see. I was outside seven days a week hiking, walking, and running. I enjoyed the 100+ degree temperatures. Most people couldn’t believe I enjoyed the heat but I did because I’m me and not them. Remember, what is good for you may not be good for someone else!
When I moved to Arizona some family members couldn’t understand why. I always felt like the odd man out in my family. When I was a child I used to think I was adopted and that one day my ‘real family’ would come for me. They would take me with them to California, New York, or another country. My mom reassures me that I came from her womb and that I’m apart of my family. The only explanation I have for being apart of my family is that I have a ‘soul’ connection to my family; I must clean up my ‘karma’ with them. I don’t know if this is true because God, the angels, universal intelligence, and my spirit guides haven’t told me if this is true.
All I know is that my life is my life. No one has the right to tell me where to live or that I must want to live in my birth state. I was born in Ohio but there’s no rule or law that says I must live out my days here. I don’t feel connected in Ohio. It’s a beautiful state, especially during the fall when the leaves turn vibrant hues of red and orange but I prefer to be in the sun all year round.
I discovered that my family members may not be as ambitious or industrious as me and that’s okay. To each their own. I don’t meddle in their lives and tell them they should want to better themselves by owning their own business or moving to another state. I don’t ‘preach’ my personal philosophy to them because it probably would fall on deaf ears. They’re free to live their lives as I’m free to live mine.
The next time someone tries to tell you what to do with your life, run the other way. Be polite and tell them your life is yours to live — they don’t own you. Remember that you don’t have the right to tell others what to do. If they come to you for advice, give it to them, and allow them to make their own decisions. If you try to control another, you’ll drive yourself and that person crazy! Live and let live and all will be right in the world.
Rebecca