Supplement to "Opportunities" post

"You can do whatever you want to do." "You can be whatever you want to be."

Those statements are always said with an implication that what one wants to do is achieve greatness, become filthy rich... become a big shot in one's industry, gain respect in the business world, etc. But what if what you want has nothing to do with success or riches. What if what you really want is to live in some remote town on the edge of the world and have some simple job like working in a restaurant or a bed and breakfast. What if what you do for a living has nothing to do with what you want from life, but simply a way to pay the bills. And what if money doesn't mean that much to you, what if quality of life is more important.

You know when I watch TV and see shows of really rich people living lavish lives, partying with famous people at all the top clubs, adorned in designer clothes and never worrying about where the money will come from for their next paycheck. I envy those people but I never watch with desire, wanting to have their lives. However when I see movies with people living on some beautiful countryside or buying a home in tuscany... or living in some beach house in a small community and working at a local store. That is when I sit at the edge of my seat and dream that I could live a life like that.

Of course none of that coincides with the "reach for the stars" or "land of opportunities" mentality that we are taught. You would be viewed as the under achiever who threw your life away. The one who could have achieved greatness but settled for normalcy. Whatever... better to be happy and looked down upon then miserable and admired. You know... just a thought.