Have You Settled?

Dear Readers:

This is what it looks like to NOT settle.  I know some of you may be wondering what the hell the picture of this weather-worn house has to do with anything, but for this post, it has everything to do with what you are about to read.

This is a picture of a house located on Peaks Island, in Maine and a big part of why I will never settle for less than what I want. I plan to one day have a home up in Peaks Island or Portland, Maine to retreat to during the summer so I can vacation with friends and family and take time to write from the inspiration that comes from such a serene place, far from the corporate and big-city wastelands.

If you haven't been to Maine, let me tell you, it's beautiful. The salty ocean air, the calling of the sea-gulls, the light-houses... it is truly a picturesque place. I think that all people should have a vision of what they want, much like I have this picture in Maine. Real, actual photos of things you want from life to remind you to never "just settle" and follow your dreams. Too many of us get caught up in the drudgery of daily existing, losing site of that dream and just settling for whatever happens our way at the time (Hello failed marriages/relationships - what if you had held out for Mr. Mrs. Unquestionably Right For You?)

I happen to have photos clipped of the things I want out of this life (in an album) and a hand written list that I carry on my person that serves as a reminder to always have that big picture in my mind. I don't sweat all the details of how I am going to achieve them (though I do have to work towards it), I just know that they will come if I focus on them in a positive manner, every day and count my blessings for what I have now and feel the joy from already "having" that item on my list. Some examples of items on my list: Take a trip to France, Get a new career,etc.

Don't believe me? Remember the last time something really good happened to you? Did you happen to think about it in a great way and then, poof! it happened? Well, it has for me, time and time again. It's when I stray and get into the negativity space is the point in which things start to go south and nothing seems to be going my way.

Sure, I have to put some work into seeing those dreams become a reality, but I won't stop half-way and just "settle" for less. A friend of mine recently confided in me that her life wasn't what she had pictured at all. She has a house in the suburbs, a husband, a career as a manager at a company she hates, and a schnoodle (dog). She told me that her dream was to travel extensively, become a fashion buyer and live in Chicago. Obviously, that did not happen. Somehow she settled for less.

"I just settled Anne. I took the easy way to a life I thought I wanted." I assured her that it wasn't too late. It never is. She had options. She could very easy go back to school in the evenings, get her advanced degree, pack up the dog and husband and move to Chicago. Just hearing me utter those words she became filled with zest. "You are right! I should damnit. Why not? I mean, I only have a few classes that I would have to take to get another degree and I have connections in Chicago and as far as the husband, he can get work anywhere."

She hung up the phone with me and then some days later sent me an email letting me know she signed up for classes. See, this is called not settling. The same applies in all areas of your life. Professionally, personally, etc. If you are not happy and want something more, then set about getting it.

Don't get to the end of your road and have regrets. Look at each day as an opportunity to move closer to your goals and dreams and QUIT SETTLING for the mediocre. In life, we can all check out at any time, with little to no warning. Scary thought, I know. But it is the hard reality. We are human and we are only given so much time to make it count.

So, I am sure I'll be writing a best selling novel one day from my beach house in Maine, while sipping a good white wine and toasting to the sea gulls who secretly know that I didn't settle.


What will you be doing today and tomorrow, heck, even the next day to ensure that you stop settling?

Best,

Anne