Growing up my parents always told me that I needed to do good in school, go to college, obtain a high paying position and that I would be happy and successful.

It was drilled in my head what I “should do” with my life and that stayed in my mind growing up.

I did what I was told, went to school, got a degree in management. I have a manager position and oversee many employees. My job is a money facilitator; it pays the bills, vacations and is a very comfortable career path. And yet, I simply don’t love it. Even if I were to become the CEO and make 6 figures a year, I still wouldn’t be happy.

I spent a lot of my life following a path that others wanted me to take and these past few years have been the hardest, because everything came crashing down. I felt lost and stagnant, I thought this was it, I thought that this was supposed to be my path but that was far from the truth. I was depressed, and my future for the first time in my life, was uncertain. I realized that I spent my time trying to mold my life to fit with conventional notions of success. I spent my entire life trying to look good on paper without realizing that in return, I sacrificed what I really wanted to do.

I had to sit down with myself and think long and hard about what was the one thing that made me happy. I realized that the only time I felt truly happy was whenever I wrote.

Now, I see that my 12 year old self was right all along. My truest passion emerged in childhood, but it was squelched by life pressures.

When I was young many shot my dreams down to become a writer, I was told I would never make it or that was lame. I was told that my writing isn’t good enough and that writing isn’t a real career. And I listened. I followed the world’s standards and by doing that I only ended up feeling miserable.

I learned to follow my own path when I realized that living the life I want to live means making choices that go against the expectations of my family, friends and culture. I have learned that my new path involves a lot of trial and error, uncertainty and risks. I know that navigating this journey will be difficult but I will ultimately reach my goals.

I learned to follow my own path when I have finally listened my inner voice. Now everything has become so clear on what I should be doing instead. I feel deliberated. My passion inside of me was waiting to be heard. I had to listen.

I found my path when I made the decision to break away from everyone and to walk the road less taken. I broke away from the chains of expectations so I could finally embrace the destiny I wanted for myself. I have a long way to go to reach my goals but at least I am on my way there. My path finally aligns with what my heart wants.

The hardest part of following my own path is having little to no support from friends and family. But for once in my life I am being selfish and doing what I want to do not what others expect me to do.

Now I have taken the big leap to turn this passion into a viable career.  It will take time and lots of hard work but I know my passion will ultimately lead to financial security. I make little to no money right now from my work, but at least I am happy and I am doing something that makes my life meaningful. I’ve learned that my own happiness is dependent solely on my dedication to walking my own path.

I finally found my own path—and I am in a place in my life where I have a clearly defined purpose. I will continue to go down this path, because I know one day I can make a difference in the world