“How?” you might ask.
Most of us think that we are chasing after our dreams, and that’s why we “work hard.” It happens in this modern life. We set goals, put in the hours, and strive to achieve what we believe will bring us happiness and fulfillment. But how often do we pause and ask ourselves: Whose dreams we are truly pursuing? Are they ours, or are they the dreams imposed on us by our parents, or derived from the society where we grew up in?
This is a crucial question to consider. Many people go through life believing they are on the right path, only to find themselves unfulfilled and disconnected from their true passions. If you haven’t healed from the times your father told you, “You have to have $1,000,000 in your bank account to be successful in life,” or when your mother told you, “It’s weak to cry when you have bad days,” or that “It’s weak to stop before you’re sick,” you carry that wounded child inside of you. These messages, whether intentional or not, shape your beliefs about success, strength, and self-worth.
Carrying these unhealed wounds can lead you to chase after your “dreams” by sacrificing your own wellbeing. You push yourself to meet these external expectations, often at the cost of your health and happiness. The pursuit of success becomes a relentless race, where you constantly feel not enough, no matter how much you achieve. You may end up in hospitals or taking medicine just to “chase your dreams”.
Is that the success you want in the long term?
True success should not come at the expense of your mental and physical health. It should not leave you feeling empty and unfulfilled. Instead, success should be aligned with your inner desires and values. It should bring you joy, satisfaction, and a sense of purpose.
The question is simple: Are you happy doing what you do, being where you are, or with whom you’re with? If the answer is NO, then it’s time to re-evaluate your path. Take a step back and reflect on what truly makes you happy. What are your passions? What are your values? What do you want to achieve for yourself, not for others?
Healing your inner child is a crucial step in this process. It involves acknowledging the wounds and messages from your past, understanding how they have influenced your beliefs and behaviors, and taking steps to redefine your concept of success. This may involve therapy, self-reflection, and taking conscious actions to prioritize your wellbeing.
As you embark on this journey, remember that it’s okay to let go of the dreams imposed on you by others. It’s okay to cry when you need to, to take breaks when you’re tired, and to prioritize your health over external achievements. Success is not a one-size-fits-all concept. It is deeply personal and unique to each individual.
So dear soulful friends, you can redefine success on your terms and create a life that is fulfilling and meaningful by healing and reconnecting with your true self. Remember to ask yourself: Are you happy doing what you do, being where you are, or with whom you’re with? If the answer is NO, then you know what you’re after. 😉
At YouGoodToday, we believe that wellbeing encompasses more than just physical health - it’s about finding harmony in all aspects of life. Our hub provides reliable resources, programs and products to help you to thrive in mind, body, soul and spirit.
Get our updates directly to your inbox