Yesterday Chris Guillebeau made an absolutely amazing post on his blog. You can scroll down and find my comment there somewhere and I tell him that a certain part of the post really connected with me.
Chris was talking about how you have the power to do anything you want. How you don’t need the permission of anyone to live your life exactly how you want to. But with this logic you have to draw a line somewhere.
Here’s what he said:
Where’s the line? The line is where your actions cause harm to someone else. My view is that as long if you stay behind that line, you don’t need permission.
I agree with this 100%.
And if you find my comment on his blog I mention that I was about to write about the very same thing within a couple days. So, here it is.
When I recently spent a week in the woods alone I came out with many very good insights. The trip did exactly what I wanted it to do. I was completely focused on thinking and there were no distractions.
The number one thing that I realized during my time alone was that there needs to be a line drawn when it comes to living life how you want to. This is why when I read Chris’ post yesterday I just sat there and smiled.
Before this thought came to me I really didn’t understand the concept very well. I thought “Hey, do what you want and if you harm someone along the way…FORGET ‘EM.”
Life is precious. Cherish those who you love more than anything. “Happiness only real when shared,” was the final diary entry Chris McCandless and it really fits here.
Instead of coming up with some sentence to wrap up how I feel, I just thought I would have you read the quote from Chris Guillebeau again.
Just something to think about.
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Yes, it is a thin line that is easily crosses if we are not careful. Young people are especially susceptible to cross the line if given this kind of advice. I guess “you don’t need permission” is something only mature adults can handle.
Charles, I agree. I am 21 and I really just started to grasp the meaning of this “line.” I think to understand it you need a combination of the wisdom that comes with growing older (yes, I know I’m still very young) and some life experiences. Thanks for the comment.