Pretty easy right? Do what makes you happy, follow your dreams, go with your gut. All normal phrases we hear from the ones we love about ways to find fulfillment in out lives.

Unfortunately, as many of you have discovered, it’s not easy to do what makes you happy. There are bills to pay, responsibilities to be responsible for, and people you feel like you always need to impress. It’s never-ending.

How can we do what makes us happy when the people telling us are rooting for the opposite?

I know what you’re thinking, where is this coming from. Bring back the bitch-tastic HowToWithCourtney we all know and love. Sorry guys, I don’t know what is happening but lately the universe has been sending me signs, about what I’m not so sure.

First the YEC has been exploding my timeline with photos so true they give me chills, go like their page right now. I’ll wait. I know something rings a bell with me when I get chills.

Secondly, I discovered Life After College today. If you haven’t been there before you need to visit, Jenny Blake (the author/founder) is an amazing story-teller and inspirer. Which brings me to my quote, well one she shared in this post, and now I’m sharing it with you:

Much to the contrary of what we’ve been told for the better part of our lives, we do not exist for the sole purpose of paying our bills, grooming our kids to be able to do the same, and maybe, someday, retiring to finally enjoy life, should we ever reach that point.

We are here to let our lights shine as brightly as possible, to drink in the joy of friendship and family, to serve and better the greater community, and to tap into and inspire passion into everything we do. We are here to come alive. In doing so, we serve as an example to others that a life beyond muddling is not only possible, but mandatory.”

−Jonathan Fields