“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life.”

~ Steve Jobs

When I was younger, I thought I had all the time in the world.  That my days were never-ending, and I would have plenty of time to do the things that I wanted to do.  Plenty of time to live out my own dreams once I had lived up to the expectations of those around me.  That was my focus – living up to what other’s thought I should be doing.

This was my life and I was okay with that, until I got sick.  Until I received my diagnosis.  In a single moment, my life changed.  I needed surgery or I would die.  It was guaranteed with the 100% odds of death that was given to me.  This moment is what I considered a defining moment in who I have become today.

After this moment, I no longer cared about reaching the goals set for me by others.  I no longer worried about the opinions of others.  I didn’t care if what I was doing happened to be a crushing disappointment to someone else.  It was the first time I’ve ever lived for myself, and I can tell you, it’s freeing in every sense of the word.

It brought me a happiness that I had never known.  Happiness isn’t even the correct word.  I felt contentment.  Satisfaction.  Self-gratification.  Joy.  My life finally delighted me in ways I never thought possible.

Today’s quote rings true for me.  Live for yourself first.  Make yourself happy.  Everything that comes after will find its place in your life.