Coloring outside the lines

They love telling me that it was a complete waste of time. They offer me unnecessary pitiful murmurs to make me feel better about my poor choices. For a moment, I forget about whatever it is that I did. I forget about my adventures for a minute, and I let myself believe that it was a waste of time. But then — something reminds me that the whole thing was a life experience. In fact, the tale I will tell my kids one day will be a story of bravery filled with interesting characters and beautiful landscapes.

Coloring outside the lines, as it turns out, is not a simple task. You go against all of your beliefs. Leave your comfort zone behind. You quit your job in pursuit of the thing that makes your heart skip a beat. Shit hits the fan real soon. You drown in self-doubt. Your bank account reflects negative numbers. Pity parties are the only parties you seem to attend. Saturdays are not nearly as glamorous as you thought they’d be, and there’s no background music cheering you up. In fact, you have to learn to be your (private) cheerleader, which ain’t an easy task.

But despite all of that — there’s that beautiful voice that comes out from the dark and tells you that everything is going to be alright. Somehow things will find their way, and you will find your place.

As much as I want to rush these (self-growth) moments and arrive in the happy promised land where my hair is silky, and life is sepia tone, I know it will be a while.

Until then, I’ll continue coloring outside the lines :)