The "American Dream"

Over one million people move to the U.S. every year in search of a better life. Children begin school at the age of four and from that point forward are given a mold of what they should be going after in life. In this region of the country especially, there is an overhanging expectation for the order and consistency of life. - Graduate high school, decide on college or technical school, get married, buy a house, land, and two cars, have a few kids, spoil the children with all the earthly possessions able to be afforded, work at your job day in and day out for 40 years until you can finally retire; After retirement, get stuck being the nanny for your grandchildren, or find yourself financially unable to live the life you had hoped for retirement. If able to travel, it’s definitely going to be different as a senior citizen, unless ones’ health has been maintained; after returning from trips, you come home to your big empty house and your shed full of things you never use or look at.

Although I am a patriot and am so thankful to be in a country where we have the right to be whoever we want to be and have so many opportunities available, if only we will go after them, I have to admit that I am not a fan of the 'typical' "American Dream”. I was born to a family who had the correct priorities, but most stick to what is comfortable to them. When I got married, we pursued the "American Dream”. Bought the house, cars, worked our butts off in a business, and got my degree. Although we thankfully never encountered much debt, we did lose sight of what life is really supposed to be.

There has always been something inside of me that gets so aggravated when I see ridiculous spending, spoiling, conforming, and settling in a life only because one thinks it is what they are expected to do. As I have been on a self-discovering journey for the past year, or so, I have realized that I am not sure that I can settle into the “American Dream” constructs that are set up around me. 

Why does it seem odd for couples to have children later in life? Why can the younger years not be filled with more travel, experiences, and freedom, instead of waiting until the end of life? Why not live day-to-day, or doing something you are passionate about? Why are couples thought to be doing well only if they have a nice home and car? What about being debt free and living a more simple life? How about raising children abroad in the hopes that they can experience more of life and realize where their heart lies? Why is it not ok to model other countries and cultures in their smaller workloads and large amounts of time with family and loved ones? Why should we be defined by our career, the neighborhood we live in or the model of our car? When did we lose sight of the things that truly matter? Why have we allowed fear of the unfamiliar to stop us from pursuing our wildest imagination?!

What are your thoughts? What are things you love to enjoy and things you hope to do someday. I encourage everyone to think and live for themselves and allow the “American Dream” to be just that- the dreams and desires of each individual American, without judgment!! Love you all and hope you enjoy your weekend!