Pulled in Many Directions...

There will always be people (family and friends) trying to help by telling us what they think we should do with our lives. Not to harm or confuse us, but to help us because they love us and want the best. But the reality is... their best may not be what we want for ourselves. This is the time to ask yourself... 

The way I see it... you are a beautiful flower with petals of hope, future, dreams, success, etc. You are in the process of blooming into the person you can be. What you need is support to help you grow...water, sunshine, soil, nutrients, etc. But, if you get too much water you drown. If there is no water and the sun burns bright, you dry out. Worse yet...

If each family member or friend who are trying to guide you are grabbing petals and pulling you in different directions, telling you what they think you should do with your life... this must stop or they are going to pull off your petals.

This is your life and those petal pulling people need to allow you to bloom into the person you deserve to be... and you need to tell them. How? With a skill that we first officers learn early on... be Assertive With Respect. 

Remember, they want the best for you. Tell them that the best is to allow you to live your life how you want. They had their turn. This is yours. You may mess it up, but it will be your mess up. Convey that you would appreciate their support, but you have to live your dreams. Support does not necessarily mean finance you. But if they love you enough to guide you, they should love you enough to  be your cheerleader when you venture out of the nest in pursuit of your dreams.

Control and letting go is a challenge. Many parents find it difficult to let go of their little birds. While others throw them out of the nest. But once they truly believe you are firmly committed to following your dreams, they'll come around. Keep the doors of communication open. Tell them where you are and what you're doing. Listen to their concerns. Be open to suggestions. Be flexible. But always remember... this is your life. 

Enjoy the journey!