Even as a young kid I could never do anything the easy way. I always picked the hardest path for myself because it is what I wanted. My older brother and cousins tried to give me advice because they were going through what I was going through, but I never listened. I had to learn it for myself.

*Also, quick side note, if you are the older sibling. Don’t waste your breath. They probably won’t listen, and they don’t care what you say. I know you are just trying to help but they never, ever listen. Let them make their own mistakes (because they are going to do it anyway).

Back to what I was saying, I have always picked the hardest path. It is just my nature. Even though it was hard though it usually was something I was passionate about. I had a reason why I was choosing that path. I like many young kids loved Disney movies especially Disney Princesses. One of my favorite movies was Pocahontas. There is the song “Just Around the Riverbend” where she is at a crossroad mentally and physically and she says:

Should I choose the smoothest course

Steady as the beating drum? Should I marry Kocoum?

Is all my dreaming at an end?

Or do you still wait for me, dream giver

Just around the river bend?

And this describes me perfectly. I 100% would’ve not married Kocoum, yeah sure it would have been safe decision, but I wouldn’t have been very happy. My actions are pushed by happiness and morals and that is why I have always had a hard path because those are usually the most difficult paths. She knew that she would always wonder what would’ve been if she did what she wanted.

I had a wonderful relationship when I was in high school. Truly the world’s best first boyfriend but I knew where I wanted to live and wanted to go with my career didn’t match up with what he wanted. I had a great group of friends in middle school and I always thought about going to the high school close in my small town, but I ended up going to school in the city.

I joined a sorority that I knew one person and at that time we had only talked a handful of times. But I believe through these hard, awkward experiences I have grown. I hope I continue to take the more difficult and more challenging course because I want to continue to grow. All of these experiences has given me something new and special for me to appreciate.

I didn’t know what was beyond these choices, but I knew it was going to push me out of my shell and discover who I am. These decisions got rid of my crutches and I could stand alone and not worry about being strong enough to do so. If you find yourself always making the less favored choice or have a strong gut feeling to try something new, you are craving that growth. And I will be there too, trying the most difficult course.