It's Your Life. Live It!

We all have a little voice in our head. You know the one … it says “don’t do this” or “don’t do that.” Sometimes it nags us to be nice or “do the right thing.” Where does that voice come from?

Most of us can trace those comments to something in our childhood. Our parents taught us right from wrong. Our friends enticed us to push the boundaries of “good” and “bad.” I have a friend who spent many years in Catholic school and she constantly hears the voice of the nuns reminding her what she is and isn’t allowed to do … or think.

As we become adults, some of those voices fade. We hone our sense of ethics and morals as we learn to cope with budgets and coworkers and significant others. We learn who we can share our dark side with … and where we need to behave. After all, we’re not looking to land in jail or even cause trouble for anyone else.

We set examples for our kids, passing the voice on to the next generation. Then the kids move out, we leave the coworkers behind and retire, the house is paid for and money woes ease a bit. Suddenly we are back in our teens … challenging the voice and asking “sez who?” when the voice reminds us how we are supposed to act in a given situation.

“Put more into savings.” SEZ WHO?

“Put your clothes on.” SEZ WHO?

“Don’t eat dessert first.” SEZ WHO?

Greg and I are getting pretty good at ignoring the voices. He describes our approach to life as “on the edge of inappropriateness.” It defines our willingness to try new things and push the envelope defined by that voice. 

Creating this blog came from that sense of adventure. Readers of my other blog (www.theworldatoz.com) would comment about positive reviews and my upbeat attitude. I would respond saying, “there are a lot of things I don’t write about that are in my head.” Several friends suggested I write them down … so I am. 

With a “sez who” and “why the hell not” approach, I’m putting those thoughts into words. I hope it challenges others to question those voices. Look yourself in the eye and ask, “why not?” Be braver about saying what you are thinking. Don’t be such a chicken. The next time someone says you can’t (or shouldn’t) do something, simply ask, “Sez Who??” 

Now, we’re NOT suggesting you do anything illegal, dangerous, or even mean-spirited. Just be more willing to try new and crazy things. Taste that unusual food. Walk around your home naked. Bungee jump off a bridge. As an adult, you’re responsible for the consequences for your actions! (Yes, the voice in my head made me add this last paragraph. It is a rather insistent little bugger!)

©Judy and Greg Romano – All rights reserved.