DISQUS

Jessica @ThriveYourTribe · 9 months ago

I had a really similar experience when I was in Ireland. I was standing on line up this steep staircase to kiss the blarney stone, just like we were supposed to be doing (I was there as a "student ambassador" with People to People), and the line was long and I was thinking there was so much outside to explore, why was I standing in line, wasting time? Suddenly I realized I could just get off the line. It seems so obvious, but at the time it was a really big thing for me.

I had a really wonderful day exploring and meeting people while the rest of my group spend almost our entire time at the castle standing in that long line.

Thank you for sharing this story!

Nathalie Lussier · 9 months ago

I can totally relate Jessica. I think these types of tourism experiences bring it out of us. We like the idea of being told what's cool to visit, but we don't want to just wait in line, take a photo, and then walk off. Traveling is about exploring, trying and seeing new things.

Your Ireland trip sounds awesome, and I love Ireland, so thank you for sharing your story. :)

Shannon Wilkinson · 9 months ago

Oh, boy, getting things right, following the rules, being a good girl. All things that served me in the past (at least at some point) that I'm trying to let go of...letting the voices fade away. It's not easy, but it's worth it.

Congratulations on veering off the path and discovering such a beautiful place!

Nathalie Lussier · 9 months ago

Thanks Shannon. I definitely those things served me in the past too... I was rewarded for being good, but now it's no longer useful for me. I'm glad you're also on the same path, it's less lonely that way. ;)

I just wanted to add that I love your web site's design! I'm off to go read some of your articles now. Wee.

Jun Loayza · 9 months ago

There is the path that we're supposed to take; then there's the path we're meant to take. Up until the age of 22, I was living the life I was supposed to live. I went to college graduated and took a job as a consultant, and was studying for my MBA.

Three months into my corporate job, I left to pursue my dream of becoming an entrepreneur. I started FD and haven't looked back since.

When I made the leap to the entrepreneurial life, I had those same voices in the back of my head. I was able to ignore them and continue w/ my dream because I was strong enough to listen to my heart. There's really no specific steps you can take to become that stronger person other than meditating, self-reflecting, and look to others for support.

If those are your red-white pokadot shoes you are awesome!

- Jun Loayza

Nathalie Lussier · 9 months ago

Hey Jun, your story is a lot like mine. I went to college and was all set up to take a job in NYC on Wallstreet. But I turned it down, and decided to travel for 4 months in China and Korea mainly.

I started this blog, and recently started a new blog about my passion: eating healthy, raw vegan style. (http://www.rawfoodswitch.com)

You can bet I had the same types of "what ifs" and "hold on a second" type of thoughts too. But pushing through, as I'm sure you've realized, makes all the difference in the world!

And Jun, whether you have red-white polka dot shoes or not, are very much awesome! :)

Lance · 9 months ago

Hi Nathalie,

We can get into a mindset of how something has to be done - because that's the way it's always been done. Or that's the "right" way to do it. Or, other ways have failed in the past, and this hasn't. And where does that get us if we follow all of this, all of the time? It gets us the the same place. So, Nathalie, I'm proud of you for taking off that pair of shoe (the goody-two's) and slipping into something more unconventional. What a great discovery you had! Sometimes the best place for us to go on our journey through life is off the trail that everyone else is on - and to blaze our own...

Nathalie Lussier · 9 months ago

Hi Lance! You've got a way of summing up everything that really zeros in on the message. I love it. :) I agree, taking a path that is different from everyone else's can be a very rewarding experience. It's trailblazingly good. :)

Happiness Is Better · 9 months ago

Good for you! I'm very happy for you Nathalie! I too have always been Mr. Goody Two shoes. I ditched that at some point in college. I still have a lot of those same voices in my head, but like you, I still try to ignore them sometimes to "step outside" of my comfort zone. It when you step outside of this comfort zone that allows you to grow as a person.

Great article!

Nathalie Lussier · 9 months ago

I know what you mean, it's all about taking those steps that are uncomfortable but that give you results. I think this whole web site stuff is a little like that too. We're putting ourselves out there, you know? ;)

Daphne · 9 months ago

I love this story and the photo. I've always (well usually!) been a goody two shoes too and am starting to strike out a little as well! Thanks for letting me know I'm not the only one.

Nathalie Lussier · 9 months ago

Aww, no problem Daphne. I always feel better knowing other people go through the same stuff as me too. Woohoo for striking out! :)

Richcroc · 9 months ago

So you see it pays not to follow the herd! I know all about hearing my mothers voice - for years I couldn't really enjoy sex cos I saw my mom standing in front of me!