The other day, my publisher asked me to answer a few personal questions to post on their website. One of them was to name a quote I live by. Now, in general, I'm not a quote kind of woman, so I was stumped for a few moments. Then I thought about this month's blog inspiration, and I realized I didn't need to go hunting for the perfect quote. I already had one right here.
Live the life you imagined... Do most of us heed those words, or do we get into a rut of work and responsibilities and forget we once had dreams... Our family has made a choice to live the dream. Back in the day, I tried the real world of having a "grown up" job with all the pressure and responsibility that entails. But I wanted to be home with my girls while they were growing up, and I wanted to write. So that's what I did. Now I work part time at low-key jobs that allow me to use my time writing. My husband is a contractor who loves to ski and mountain bike. So he works as much as he needs to and isn't afraid to take days off to ski when we finally get a powder day. The trade off is no expensive vacations. No fancy cars. I wear jeans and T-shirts. I buy what's on sale. But we're living the dream and are much happier for it.
I believe we've also instilled those values in our daughters. They aren't afraid to go after what they want. When my oldest started looking at colleges, she applied to several Ivy League schools. Her attitude is, why be afraid to try? Why not go after those dreams. Of course a lot of hard work and determination went into her decision... We'll know by the end of the month if it pays off. My younger daughter is still feeling her way, still forming her own dreams. I can't wait to see what they are!
So, are you living the life you imagined? It's not too late to start!
9 comments:
You just answered the question - Do you live to work or work to live? Doing what you love is all that really matters. Great to see it's carried on to your next generation. Nothing wrong with confidence!
That's fantastic, Jannine. What a wonderful gift for your daughters, to raise them with that mindset. We've never quite achieved our dreams, but we've made the best choices we had. And we're still dreaming!
Yes, Margo, you should only live to work if work is what you truly love. Like writing!
Leah, sometimes the girls aren't so thrilled when I tell them expensive vacations are out, but as their dad tells them, Tahoe is a vacation paradise. People pay to come here!
Isn't it wonderful to be able to do something you love? All the sacrifices are worth it if you can realize your dreams. My dream has been to become a writer, and while it's not on the grand scale I used to imagine, I'm thrilled to realize the dream, at any level. Awesome that you passed that dream-chasing gene on to your girls. Good luck with the Ivy League school AND your upcoming release!
Thanks for the good wishes, Ally. I can use all the positive thoughts I can get!
Before Hubs & I got married, we talked about children and whether I would continue teaching or stay home. We decided I'd stay home with the kids. Although it was not easy--no adults to talk to all day, no Disney vacations every year, being thrifty--I don't regret that decision. It's not right for everyone but it was for us. You've taught your kids well, Jannine. I hope your daughter gets into the college she wants.
Diane, staying home during those growing up years was a no-brainer. I worked for a few months then quit. My first baby (who is still as strong-willed as she was then) went on strike and wouldn't eat while at daycare. The lady said she'd never seen anything like it! I swear she knew if she starved herself Mom would cave in--and I did! Glad you were able to make a choice that worked for your family.
When my daughter was born, OG and I decided that I would stay home with her. I managed that for the first seven years of her life, and those were the most worthwhile years I've ever spent doing anything. It formed the foundation of our relationship. After I went back to work, I have to admit I worked to live, but now I'm reaping the rewards!
I'm so happy you've discovered such a good place in your life, Alison. We may never retire, but if my books can eventually augment our income, I won't mind working one bit!
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