Dear friend,

I have a master's. And after getting that degree, I spent a year in South America doing mission work. And I'm a currently a waitress. And I am planning on moving into a van and living out of it indefinitely. It's safe to say that I am not living the life that is expected of me.

That is often evident in the look on people's faces when I explain my current situation and what I'm working towards. It completely baffles people that I have two degrees and choose to wait tables. It shocks strangers and loved ones alike when I describe my dream life as one of simplicity, adventure, and mobility.

There are times that I can feel other people's opinions getting to me. Whether I notice myself shying away from describing certain details of my life or even quieting the suspicions of others by saying things like "it won't be forever" or "I'm sure I'll use my degree eventually."

But the truth is? I don't know what the future holds. None of us do. But what I am sure of is this: I am exactly where I need to be and I am working towards a major dream of mine. And that should be enough. For me and for you.

The pressure to pursue what is "typical" for someone my age (24) is very real. It gets imposed on me constantly. I graduated so I should have a job within my field of study. I'm engaged so I should have my wedding totally planned out, every detail.

I'm getting older so I should have my five-year plan outlined. These are all real-life examples of things people have said outright or strongly hinted at. And you know what? I have learned to just tune them out. And you should, too.

I have gained a profound sense of empowerment by realizing that my life is radically different than people's expectations of me. Most of that is rooted in knowing that I am working towards what I know will bring me the utmost joy and contentment in my life.

But another big part is realizing and embracing that I can have any life that I want without having to play into other's opinions of what I should be doing. Believe me, that realization is incredibly freeing.

I know it can be difficult to pursue what it is you truly want, especially if everyone around you expects something totally different. But I am here to urge you today to tune it out.

It can be vastly overwhelming to put yourself out there and chase after your wild and crazy dreams. And it can and will be extremely disheartening when people come along and make you feel like you are crazy. But if you have found something that makes you come alive, my dear friend, please do yourself a favor and do it. Silence the voices that tell you that you can't or shouldn't.

I am here to tell you that it is okay to want something a little wild. Have grace with yourself. Have grace with others while they struggle to understand. Be more than an occupation or a set of expectations. Find what you love and pursue it. In the words of my beloved Avett Brothers, "decide what to be and go be it." Give yourself permission to live the life you truly want. You'll thank yourself later.

Sincerely,

Madison Poulter, Master of Social Work, Waitress, Adventurer, Future Van Dweller, and Who Knows What Else