Youthful Ambition

One of the things I miss about being a kid is the fearlessness in our ambitions. When you were a child (a youth, an elementary student), what did you say when people asked you what you wanted to be when you grew up? 

An astronaut?

An artist?

A teacher?

President of the United States?

A veterinarian?

Learned Fear

As we grew up, we learned fear. We learned what it was like to get hurt (both physically and emotionally). We were taught all about the fear of not having enough money. People from various professions told us to fear “not having enough money” and that we need a surplus in order to be successful. 

What Does Success Mean to You?

But what does success really mean? If you make enough money and are able to have shiny things to show off to strangers, does that mean you’re successful? Is it having a certain amount of money in your bank account? Hoarding money the way that people hoarded toilet paper isn’t looked down upon, is it? Even though there are people and good, non-profit organizations that are having trouble making ends meet.

Or is real success about being happy? About being able to find your passion in life: whether it is a person, starting a family, finding a hobby, or a career?

Can We Go Back To Youthful Ambition?

Can we unlearn all of this fear that is engrained in us? Can we go back to wanting to be astronauts? 

Growing up means that we’ve put boundaries around our youthful energy and ambition. We’ve corralled our exuberance and wonderment. Is that a bad thing? Not necessarily. However, it is also important to embrace some of that childish excitement. 

Find A Passion That You’re Enthusiastic About

Remember how excited you used to be about birthday parties, horses, or coloring? Find that level of passion in something: maybe a hobby, your career path, side hustle, or with your relationships. In a world that has gone gray with smoke and ash, we need a little sunshine and happiness in our lives.

And for the record: a writer. When I grew up, I wanted to be a writer.

By: Jocelyn DeVore