Live life on your own terms

Living in Texas was one of the best things that ever happened. I was allowed to be my own person! There were lots of things that I had wanted to do or not do over the years but, was never able to because of time, work, educational or coaching restraints. Thanks to a coach who gives me a longer leash and one who really wants and cares for my personal happiness, I was able to start living life on my own terms. Doing so helped me become a better and happier person.

This post is to encourage you to do the same. If you are worried about what other my think of you or if what you are doing is lady-like or whatever it is that holds you back from doing the things you want, STOP. You are entitled to happiness.

Pluck those weeds in the garden that choke those happy blossoms. New flowers can't grow without the other ones opening up, right?

Somewhat recently, I was reading an article called "75+ Hobby Ideas For Your Free Time" on the website called "The Art of Manliness." This is a great website, by the way. There were a lot of cool hobby ideas!

Here are some I was already doing:
Reading
Collecting
Camping
Weightlifting/Working Out
Whittling
Geocaching
Leather Working
Bowling
Archery
Letter Writing
Hiking
Bicycling
Picking/Antiquing
Woodburning
Writing/Journaling
Vinyl
Volunteering
Cooking
Learning a foreign Language
Blogging
Amateur Astronomy
Genealogy

There are still things I used to do but, don't have the time or means for and things I want to do but, I'm waiting until a better moment arises. All of these things are equally cool for women to do and make for great dates and/or hobbies to do with a significant other.

I graduated high school and I left home. I went far away too. I never turned back. Ok...yes, I did when I went home for a semester. Any who, that early independence and a diverse set of interests had led me into doing all kinds of cool things and meeting cool people all over the country.

Had I ever listened to anyone else but my heart as to what was acceptable or unacceptable for a woman, a Mormon, a young person, tall person, a fat person, a single person, a WHATEVER, there is little I would have accomplished in my life and little I would have done to help anyone else.

Living life on your own terms doesn't necessarily mean have fun doing hobbies all day. Living life on your own terms often times means learning new skill sets to help keep you independent. This saves you time, money, and gives you a ton of confidence. I know how to replace a car starter, air filter, battery, strip and replace a car battery terminal, check tire pressure and fluids, I can also change and rotate tires. I can fix holes in walls and replace outlets. I know how to operate drills, dremels, and saws. Unless it's a fancy, newer toilet, I can do some basic plumbing, install a fan, cut blinds and keys. I can change the lock on the bottom of a truck and operate a sit-down and standing forklift. Those are mainly "male" tasks. You know what? I can now save time and money and do that junk myself and feel awesome about it. On the other hand, I can do quite a bit of "female" tasks as well. I can schedule appointments and transfer calls, crochet, sew, cook, tend to children, shop and any other things other people deem "female."

My independence would be greatly diminished because I would have to get someone else to assist me in something I could otherwise do for myself had I not had these work experiences, learned these skills or tried these hobbies. It bothers me that inanimate objects, tasks, hobbies, interests and other things get so engendered, or limited to certain demographics. Culture can be messed up some times.

If you want your haircut a certain way, do it. It's just hair. You want to wear certain clothes because they make you happy and comfortable? Get 'em! Want to go somewhere but, no one else cares to join you? Go anyway!

Develop new skills, improve yourself, have fun, and leave your social stigmas and worries behind.

Many of the things awaiting to be seen and experienced by you are a mere decision away.

Little by little, you can gain more happiness.

Enjoy life!