[0004]

One of my best friends has recently just decided that she wants to pursue a career in the fashion world. I put myself in her shoes, and only then can I begin to understand the magnitude of the courage she's displayed by taking that step. That statement might sound a little melodramatic to any observer who's somewhat of an outsider to the situation. However, given the culture from which she stems, (and myself also, but I am besides the point here) it's an act of complete rebellion. Gone are the fretful days of worrying what her parents will think, or what if she doesn't succeed, or what if she's disowned, or crushing her fathers dreams, or not belonging to what her taught values entail as a "noble" profession. It's not about them anymore, it's about herself. Listening to her talk about her passion and watching her take action to actually make it happen, has made me reflect on my own life. Are my decisions truly my own? Or are they by-products of my upbringing and influences of the people in my life? I don't want any regrets in the future. I want to be able to seek solace in the fact that the mistakes I might have made were my own doing, to be able to know that at least I did it my way. Everyone has their own definition of success; and mine is just being able to look back on my life and loving each mistake, each trial, and each struggle I went through to become the person I am. It would probably be a great feeling to know you have all the time in the world to create yourself, and I really want that for myself. Her epiphany sort of gave way to my own and I feel liberated. You should never allow anyone other than yourself to dictate the way you live. Never allow anyone to put boundaries on your dreams. Be who you are, do what makes you thrive. That way you're making at least one person happy...the most important person: yourself.