Counting Stars

As a child, I remember that the days felt long, and that my youth felt eternal. As I emerged from the innocence of my make-believe to the reality of everyday, I now know that the older I grow, the less permanent my surroundings will be. 

Although this sounds a little bleak, this is a revelation that has changed my perspective...

When I first became an adult, I thought that everything was about being true to a certain label. Title. Education. Income. IQ. Everything was something that could be measured, compared, and earned. I strove towards these things because that is what I deemed success. What I did not realize was just how far away I was from living the truth. 

After giving my full attention to these 'measurable' things, I realized just how shallow they truly were. A prestigious title does not mean someone is an expert. Procuring a great education does not secure a phenomenal job. Earning an astoundingly high income does not guarantee happiness. Having a rocket scientist's IQ does not mean that you will be any more equipped for reality.

Instead, success is about finding what is true to oneself, and doing it well. 

One Republic has a brilliant song, Counting Stars, that says it all, "No more counting dollars, we'll be counting stars". To me, this line means that we need to break free of the labels that hold us back. Don't be afraid to dream, or to color out of the lines. 

Sometimes, you will have to take leaps. I know I did when I quit my job as full-time digital marketing specialist. When I was working underneath that title that sounds so powerful, I felt more weak than ever. I worked for ruthless people who couldn't care less for their employees. I worked for selfish people who only saw the dollar signs. These people went through employees like tissues because they could not see deep down to appreciate these individuals' value. I am not afraid anymore to speak my mind about it. (Despite my resentment towards my past work 'environment', I still find social media, blogging, and digital strategy to be fascinating, and I think they are my strong points!) 

Now, as a Pharmacy Technician, a job I did NOT go to school for, I am happier than I could have ever imagined. Yes, there are long days and demanding days, but there are rewarding days, and those are the days that matter most. I HELP people, and care for them. I am challenged every day, and equally repaid. I work with wonderful people who share my passion, and who understand the value of a hard worker. 

And to the people who try to bring me down for who I am or what I do, I can't even hear you anymore, because my life is amazing, and I am happy. I am blessed, and my blessings are more numerous than the stars in the sky. I couldn't even begin to count..

What labels are you trying to break free of? Do you think our society is too centered on labels? Comment with your thoughts below!