I’m currently outside sitting on a bench swing basking in the sun. It’s a very nice day out today, no clouds in sight, a gentle, cool breeze here and there, all with the warm sun shining upon me. I hear the white noise of the cars and trucks on the highway about a quarter mile to my right. I hear the sounds of the cicadas and birds off in the woods to my left. My cute pup just jumped up and is now lying next to me enjoying the peace and serenity as I am.

There’s this feeling, however, no matter how pleasant I may feel in the present moment, that is, when I AM present, that I am still somehow burdened by the constant weight of the world. The things that society deems “normal” and what it “expects” of me. Is it so hard to just allow me to live? Live WITHIN the world, not FOR the world.

I often feel that I’m running out of time. I’m running out of time to find a career, find a partner, create a family, PROVIDE for the family. The outside pressures of the world are so engrained in my mind that even attempting to “be in the present” seems irresponsible and a waste of time. That’s far from the truth; in fact, I believe it’s necessary.

Unplug, turn off, go outside or sit and stare at a wall in silence — whatever it is you decide to do to feel present with yourself in the world, do it fully. It doesn’t have to be for a long time, even just a few minutes can help you get back on track.

This time that I have right now, this moment of self-reflection and time alone, could be argued as escaping responsibilities. But who put those responsibilities on me? I’m undergoing a career change in my life. The schooling that I’ve done and the work that I’ve put in has recently led me to realize that continuing this path is fruitless because I lack even a sliver of passion in the subject. I can discuss more about this in the future.

It can be easy to see your peers doing great and amazing things, finding their passions, landing that job, performing that gig there or with that band all the while you’re still floundering about trying to make sense of the world and where you fit in. It can be easy to think about how you are being left behind, that your indecisive and eclectic views and interests make it difficult to pick one thing and go for it.

I heard a quote recently that really struck a chord with me. The quote goes something like this, “I’m not behind everyone, I just had different priorities at the time.” And I did. I probably still do. That’s okay.

It’s okay to be lost. It’s okay to not know where you are going and to live. We are all human, living breathing creatures that do great and magical things. We aren’t perfect, and we never will be. Our actions and decisions form who we become. Learn from them. Breathe.

It will all turn out just fine.