Rather be happy or conventional ?

United States
October 5, 2010 8:57pm CST
If given the choice which would you choose? Would you do what was the decided path and be miserable or would you follow your own path and be happy? Me? I have never thought I could follow the decided path. I never was part of the in crowd. Nor was I directed by my parents What I was suppose to do , save graduate high school. So i was free to choose my path. So I chose happiness. How about you?
1 person likes this
10 responses
@bounce58 (17387)
• Canada
7 Oct 10
How I wish I could pick my own path too! I think growing up, I've been molded to accept and choose the conventional path. So much so that even if I wanted to wander off to another path, I can't. I'm stuck. Yet, I try to be optimistic. That life will balance out in the end. That I will end up in the 'happy' path sooner or later. ...crossing my fingers!
1 person likes this
• United States
9 Oct 10
I hope so. want you to be happy. All I can say is follow your bliss.
@lynnemg (4529)
• United States
6 Oct 10
I have always been the type to do what I feel is best for me and my family regardless of what others seem to expect. In some ways, I follow a path. I work, I keep my house clean, I make sure my kids are healthy and educuated. Those things are all expected of me and I enjoy doing them. On the other hand, I work for myself, I am willing and able to take a look at different opportunities and if I feel that I can succeed in something, I do just that. I did not finish high-school, but I did get my GED. I only went to college for a short time, and that was for a vocational certificate. My family always tells me that I would rather go through an obstacle course to get where I want to be rather than take the easiest path right around the obstacles. They are right about that, I would rather work hard, learn and earn on my way, and feel happy that I did it on my own, rather than to take the easier path through life. I am happy with what I have chosen and where my choices have gotten me in my life. I will continue to move forward as I have in the past and get even farther inmylife.
1 person likes this
• United States
7 Oct 10
Brava!
@peavey (16936)
• United States
6 Oct 10
I've never been very conventional, so I guess I choose happiness, too. :) Sometimes I even get a kick out of being a little different - I like to see people's reactions. But I do believe that some people can follow a conventional path and be happy, too.
1 person likes this
• United States
6 Oct 10
I have a friend who's dream is very conventional. I'm so happy for her.Her dream would be my nightmare.
• United States
6 Oct 10
I was split by my parents--my mother wanted me to do what she considered safe, and that was to go to college, study something boring, meet the right man, work in an office, date him a few years, then get married and have a happy life. My father wanted me to be happy. Talk about messing with a kid's head! As a result, I STILL haven't gotten my bachelor's (and it's been 20+ years since I graduated!) nor can I say that I'm doing what makes me happy. I am NOT doing that with my daughter though--she wants to be a photographer, and I am doing whatever's within my power to help her achieve that goal! We are currently beginning a tour of art schools next weekend (something I never got to do), and I am encouraging her every step of the way! If I could do it over again, I'd choose happiness and stick with it (that's what I started doing, and my mom pushed me into the wrong school to achieve that goal).
1 person likes this
• United States
7 Oct 10
" get married ans have a happy life."? I can do one of the other, lol. If my mom had pushed me into that path, I wouldn't be here today. I would have disappeared.I'm glad your daughter is following her bliss. And Mom, there is still time for you too. 80 year olds graduate from college! Get out there and fine your bliss!It's never too late.
@jillhill (37354)
• United States
6 Oct 10
I pretty much do my own thing too....never been too conventional..I like doing things my own way...and I enjoy life too. Everyone always asks me why I am so happy....
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@primeaque86 (8105)
• Philippines
6 Oct 10
Hello sarah how are you my friend? Anyway, this is a good question, what path I should follow, I have to follow the path which I see the right one sarah... I choose the path that would complete me as a person. I would choose the path which will lead me to the essence of life. We do not have the hold of our life, we will loose it any time so we should make our life happier... today, I am trying to follow the path which I think would lead me to a joyful life... have a blessed day my friend sarah...
1 person likes this
• United States
7 Oct 10
Thanks My Friend. I am great ! How are you?
@veejay19 (3589)
• India
6 Oct 10
In my case i did not make any choice, things just started happening. After school i went to a science college because during my time that was the norm and i followed the herd mentality. I soon realized that it was not my cup of tea and after 2 years i quit it and joined Architecture. that was my path and soon to be my profession. That was the best thing to happen to me and brought me much joy. Now i am retired but when i look back on those days i know that they were some of the happiest days of my life and the choice i made was the right one, though belated.
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@indahfth (11161)
• Indonesia
6 Oct 10
My parents never forced their decision, to me. They gave me the freedom to make decisions. My parents only gave me directions. I am very grateful to have parents like them. So I could take my own decisions.
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@bird123 (10632)
• United States
6 Oct 10
In a world of infinite diversity, how can we expect everyone to follow the same path. Isn't it evil to attempt to pressure others to??? Listen to the advice of others but walk your own path. Life's lessons are best learned that way. How can you express that which is special about you if you are living someone else's view of life??? There is no one in the universe exactly like you. You are here for a reason. The world needs you to live your life your way.
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@picjim (3002)
• India
6 Oct 10
I never follow convention unless it is necessary.If the convention is bad there is no point following it and making ourselves sad.I would always be as innovative as possible.Like you when i'm on my own way i'm satisfied and content hence follow that path.
1 person likes this