My grandad sold magic mushrooms

now that the title has grabbed your attention let me begin.

Whilst sitting on the beach on the island of Gili T. off the coast of Bali, myself and a few friends noticed how young the lads were asking everyone if they would like some magic mushrooms, they would approach people and say

“This is my brother, we have the best mushrooms on the island etc etc”

As they left we discussed how sad it was, but at the same time, did they really have any choice in the matter?

We joked and said “ His father was probably a mushroom dealer, and his grandad before him. He has probably come from a long line of mushroom dealers”

But what if, one of the sons decided to say they didn’t want to be a mushroom dealer? wanted a different job, One that they preferred, to be a fisherman, or a stand-up comedian, or even leave the island and become a car salesman (there are no cars on Gilli T. so fair play to him coming up with that dream.)

What would the dad’s reaction be? How difficult would it be for the son or sons to admit that?

But, how many of us are in a similar situation? Parents want us to become doctors, accountants, solicitors, electricians because it worked for them?

Do we feel we have a choice?

Do we do it because it will make our parents/teachers or others happy?

Do we stop our dreams from becoming a reality because of outside influences or opinions?

Are we prepared to spend 5/10/15 years in a job we don’t really like, or makes us unhappy, just because it’s safe or it has been recommended by the people we look to for guidance?

Now don’t get me wrong these lads seemed so happy, (probably because of the endless supply of mushrooms they had consumed) I was just using this as an analogy.

But then, how many of us put on that happy face, in order to try to prove a point or pretend? Hide how we really feel?

My point is, we always have a choice, whether to be true to ourselves or live our lives to keep others happy. Look within to find your true happiness, and if it doesn’t work out, well at least you tried. To quote Coldplay, “if you never try you will never know”

Our inner happiness is the most important thing we possess and since most of us spend 50% or more of our week in our place of work, wouldn’t it be better to be happy doing it?

The question is, are the choices you are making, bringing you, the happiness you deserve?