They think they can tell me what to do, where to go, and what to wear. They think they are in charge of my life. 

Do I let them? Do I do as they say? Do I live the life they expect of me?

The bride is picking out her wedding dress.  She has not one but three other women in her family telling her what to wear and what not to wear. 

She found a dress she liked, and she felt special in the dress. Now she is afraid to get it. They, the three other women in her family, don't like the dress. 

So what? Whose life is it? Who is in control? Whose decision is it?

Can you relate to her dilemma?  How often do you know what feels right for you, and you don't do it because of those who advise you otherwise? Who is to say they are correct? Usually it's a family member, or close friend, whose opinion might be different that yours. So what?

Who is going to suffer the consequences of the decision? Not them. It's you. So, it's your decision.  If you are wrong, at least it's you who is wrong and not the advice you took from another. 

It's your life. It's your decision. No, all the decisions won't be perfect. But, they should be yours, and you'll learn from them. The others are not always correct either. Plus, they don't know what is best for you. 

The bride is in the process of deciding. For a bride, the dress is a big deal. She'll remember the decision for the rest of her life. 

What decisions have you made based on the expectations of others? Me, I went in the family business. It was expected of me, and it took me twenty five years to realize I could do as I please. I sold the business so I could do what I wanted to do. WOW!   

I reclaimed my life. I am now living the life that has meaning to me. I'm in control, I'm responsible.  It took me long enough. 

We can't live another's life. We won't be happy or fulfilled living what is expected of us by others. We should and must live our own life. Life is the most precious thing we have.  Others will come and go, but we'll be with ourselves until we die. 

Don't delay another day. If you are not living the life that is of value to you, if you are living the life expected by others, decide right here and right now to stop. 

If you have given control to others, you can also take it back. It's time to live your dreams, it's time to do what you want to do, what fulfills you. 

You are the captain, it's your life. Chart your course for the life you want to live. Let the others live their own lives.