Life Imagined
“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.” This is one of my favorite quotes from author Henry David Thoreau. This quote embodies what I consider to be one of the most important driving forces in my life. I am a dreamer and am proud to call myself this because what is the point of it all if you have no dreams, no thoughts of something greater. As human beings, I feel that the ability to dream, to imagine, is what sets us apart.
I enjoy being a dreamer, always setting my sights on the horizon, pressing on fearlessly towards the goal. I believe in following your heart and taking chances whenever possible. This is another reason I like Henry’s quote. His statement “go confidently in the direction of your dreams” is often the hardest thing to do. Choosing to following your dreams more often than not leads you down the most difficult path, or even further, a path you have to construct for yourself.
In my experience, choosing to follow my heart has many times lead me off the beaten path. In this pursuit, I have been faced with a point of decision, where I must choose to either take a leap of faith and step out into the unknown or play it safe and stand still in the comfort of status quo. It is this moment of uncertainty, where your mind takes over and starts to analyze every reason you should not take that first step forward into the unfamiliar, it is this moment that is often the diversion from living the life you have imagined because it is just that, imagined.
It is far easier to push aside an idea that requires risk then to embrace it – to simply say, it’s just my imagination running wild. But that’s the kicker – I consider imagination is our most powerful tool and to try and tame it is the real shame for it is the bridge that is necessary to turn your wildest dreams into reality. Every work of art, piece of music, intricate display of architecture starts with a simple thought, an idea and it is imagination that brings this idea to reality.
Human nature convinces us to allow fear dictate our decisions. After all, this is the foundation our instincts are built upon. But as the late, great Steve Jobs said, “live each day as if it is your last, someday you’ll most certainly be right” Keeping this thought in mind, what is there really to fear? Fear is an illusion created within our minds and I feel life is far too short to let it become a factor. It is only natural to fear the unknown, so for me, coming to the realization that there is truly nothing to lose in going after what you love has been crucial in helping me to embrace this moment of uncertainty as a sign of something great. It is this realization that has also opened my eyes to the fact that all that really matters is love. Find what it is that you love in life and go after it with all your heart. Nothing else matters.
I currently am blessed to be living the life of my dreams – As of right now, I live 5 minutes from the beach in southern California. I am a professional beach volleyball player currently pursuing my dream to play at the highest level. I have created this site and this blog to share my stories and experiences in following my heart and living the life I have imagined and would love to have you along for the ride!
16 COMMENTS
I’m on board…lookin’ forward to the ride.
Appreciate it, thanks Bryan!
Well said Laryssa!! Good luck this year and see you on the beach!
Thanks Tonya – love your site too! See you on the beach!
I love that you are going to keep us updated on here! I am SO proud of you! So excited to see where your dreams take you, girl.
Thank you Katie! I hope you continue to follow yours because you are so fantastically talented! When’s the next album?;)craving me some KW music! Still listen to “Well Done” all the time, one of my absolute favorite songs. And btw, I love your blog too!
Wow, Laryssa. What a beautifully written entry. I am inspired! You’re right on the money about fear. I want to live a life where my decisions are governed more by hopes than fears.
Thank you Aurora, that really means a lot to me! Definitely not easy to do in this world, right? I am trying on a day by day basis. Thank you for taking the time to send me your thoughts!
Awesome. Very inspiring. You are very attractive and extremely talented and you are going to succeed in whatever you do in life.
Congrats on making it to the main draw at the NVL in Baltimore. Good luck! 0r, by the time you read this, you’ll know how good/bad you did.
0h, btw, you can use any and all pics. l took of you on here if you want. Thanx!
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Appreciate that Arlen, thank you!