Live A Great Story

Scrolling through Facebook not too terribly long ago, I happened upon a sponsored post for a web store called Live A Great Story. The idea behind that phrase really spoke to me.

For so many years, I allowed my story to be written around me, never really taking charge to write it myself. I always followed what I thought was “the norm” and did what I thought I should do based on the words and actions of others. That came as a detriment to me. I was never fully satisfied with my life. I always felt something was missing. Despite toxic and failed relationships, including with my family, I felt this was supposed to be life. Life is challenging, but, I thought, that’s the way it is for everyone.

I decided that I didn’t want my life to be challenging any more.

I’ve often thought about writing an autobiography, or even a memoir for something that I’d be specifically proud of, but realized what a boring read that would be. Sure, I moved around a lot growing up, which normally would lead to some exciting adventures, but that never materialized for me.

Many people can tell wonderful stories about the family vacations they took growing up. I can only recall one family vacation as I was growing up. While memorable, I’d be hard pressed to fill a chapter from a memoir with the specifics.

Some people can talk about all the adventures they’d go on with their friends. All the moving around I did only served to cause a nearly crippling social anxiety that prevented me from making friends for many, many years.

To wit, I’ve lived a pretty boring life.

In late 2019, I decided to make a change for myself. I decided I was going to do what I want to do, regardless of what anyone wants or says. When I met Brandy, I was thankful to be able to have someone to do some of these things with, but the Carlsbad experience demonstrated once and for all that I was OK doing things on my own.

In my brief time away from her, I have continued to live for myself. I’ve gone hiking, camping, dining and sightseeing, sometimes with people, sometimes alone. Regardless of if anyone was with me or not, I’ve been totally satisfied in what I’ve done.

With this renewed determination to satisfy my ever burning wanderlust, I’ve determined that I’m not locked in to a boring life. I am filling my life with the fodder for a wonderful memoir that began with a simple trip to Old Town Albuquerque, and will end… well, who knows where it will end?

After all, I’m still in the process of living my great story.

-Phil