6.16.2011

mediocrity

me·di·oc·ri·ty/ˌmēdēˈäkrətē/Noun
1. The quality or state of being mediocre.
2. A person of mediocre ability.

Is it ok to just be mediocre?

This idea has been winding through my thoughts the past week. You see I've been on a family trip and then to the funeral of my grandpa the past weeks. It has provided me with the opportunity of relaxing, reflection, and family.

All my life I've been a hard worker. I've had goals and dreams in mind that I have worked hard to achieve. Some I have and some I'm still working on. Sometimes I have so many goals and desires to "make something of myself" that I don't enjoy life as much as I could. I definitely don't relax much. Instead of sitting with my husband I'm painting or blogging or running or something "productive." I'm not saying this is a bad thing. It's probably more good than bad, but as I enjoyed my family and pondered the meaning of life. What it's about. What's most important. One word kept coming to my mind. Ryley. aka Family. I love Ryley so much. He calms me. He pushes me. He soothes my heavy heart and mind. He makes me smile and laugh. He makes life happy. He makes me happy.

Now family and love is not a mediocre thing to find. It's very unusual to find, to have, and to hold on to. But sometimes I want more. I want to become a respected artist and designer. I want to build a career and become someone respected. I want this because I feel like every person is great and needs to continue to push themselves and become the greatest person they can become. I feel like I have something to share with the world to make it better and I don't want to waste my time watching tv when I can be bettering myself and perhaps/hopefully helping and inspiring others. I see others who follow their dreams and succeed. I want that.

I feel so torn. When I started writing this I felt like I just wanted to focus on family. Now I want both. Sometimes this is such a hard thing to balance. To figure out which is more important. To do what you love and inspire others, and still have time to love and be inspired by your family, your true love. Sometimes I wish I felt content to be mediocre, but some times I'm glad I don't.

There is nothing wrong with being mediocre. Most people in life are. It's hard to become that famous actress or artist or lawyer. I have decided I won't feel bad if no one ever knows my name. I won't because I know that I will constantly be striving to become better and more than I am right now. Mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and physically stronger. I hope I can always keep this drive, but that I will be able to find the balance between pushing myself and being able to sit and breath and enjoy.

I want to be able to inspire others, but mostly I want to always be inspired. I hope I can always look at life with a positive eye and see the beauty all around.

I feel like my favorite quote goes along with my thoughts today...


Live vibrantly not perfectly

5 comments:

Rae said...

OOooooh I wish I could squeeze you through this computer screen!
Chels! I freakin love you. You are far from mediocre. Just last night Aimee and I were talking about our college friends and trying to explain you to her friend Jessica. I went on and on and on and ON about how amazing and positive, upbeat, hard working, low maintenance, high yield, happy, fun, easy going and awesome you are. There are few people in my life I can't gush enough about and one of them is you.
You inspire me in so many ways. You are far from mediocre.

~Kara~ said...

Very inspiring post thank you! I needed this!

Jules said...

Every time I see your art you inspire me to do more in MY life. And I agree that it's crucial to find that balance between family/"fame." Sometimes I get caught up with wanting to promote myself artistically, but the high I get from it is never the same as when I'm with Seve.

kate said...

I like this post. It's hard to find a balance between the two... At times I'm content with where I'm at (no name student) but then there are times when the desire creeps back in. I'm not sure that will ever leave.

Chantel said...

looove this! you are truly inspirational lady:)