Happiness is doing what you want to do versus what you are supposed to do. I heard this quote today on the popular television show House. I was struck when I heard that line and it made me think…
So many people are walking through life numb and acting as passive participants in their own life. They are doing what is expected or safe. They are missing out on happiness and many people don’t even know it. They trudge through their days – quietly accepting life as is and doing it all over again the next day. Some people never breakout of their quiet desperation – some do.

I recently resigned from my job to find my true purpose. In the beginning it wasn’t an easy decision. I had a really good job working for a great company with some wonderful co-workers and a very comfortable salary. As with anything, there were aspects of my job that I didn’t enjoy. And at the end the scale of pain and comfort was swaying heavily on the side of pain. I was at a point in my life where I had to decide if I should continue on this same path or do something different. I always knew I wanted to do something on my own, but I just didn’t know what that would be. I didn’t even know for sure what I would do when I quit my job and may still not clearly know.

I will always remember the exact moment I made the final decision to resign. It was a moment in time when I realized I was completely disconnected from the role I was in and the passion wasn’t there anymore. I knew deep in my soul that it was time to move on. I knew that if I stayed I would be cheating the company with fake interest and enthusiasm. Most importantly – I would be cheating myself. I felt a calming peace during the final days with the company and an excitement in my belly that I hadn’t felt since I was a young child full of wonder.

A friend is currently struggling with a similar major life and career decision. Right now there are countless others searching to find the courage to take the path leading to true fulfillment and happiness. Sometimes the path to true fulfillment has many twists and turns and not a straight shot. Each fork in the road is a decision point and the best we can do is make the best decision we can at the time with the information available. The worst thing is to do nothing and continue through life in quiet desperation.

I have chosen to be an active participant in my own life. I’m looking forward to all the wonderful joys life has in store for me!