The Difference Between You & Me

I’m writing this from the back patio of Tableau, a restaurant for the tower suites part of the Wynn in Las Vegas.

It’s sunny, it’s beautiful, and the server greeted me by name and already knew of my gluten allergy so he could appropriately guide my selection.

The man sitting next to me has his own television show. The man on the other side is a Vegas institution in his own right.

So why am I here eating smoked salmon and fresh squeezed juice and you’re not?

Because it’s not optional for me.

I know what I value. I know what makes me feel good. And I make it happen.

I don’t wait until I’m ready. I don’t wait until I have the money. I don’t wait for all the information or a better time or when I’ve lost 5 lbs.

If it’s important, I make it happen now.

I hear you – “sure, sure, that’s great for you, but I have a family, a house, a boss – people who rely on me to be “responsible”.”

I get that. I really do. But excuse me when I say it’s bullshit.

Being responsible doesn’t mean spending years of your life doing things you don’t want to do because you think that’s how it’s done or you’re “supposed” to.

It means taking control of your life. All of it.

It means owning your emotions, your fears, your circumstances, and your money – or lack thereof.

I’m not crazy – I get wanting to feel secure.

I was raised in a family that values tenure and a company retirement plan. My first career in the government satisfied my desire to feel safe and protected from the economy. I bought a house; I was in for life.

But then I realized – I’m not willing to wait for retirement to live.

What I interpreted as “responsible” – a steady job, home, good benefits, retirement – is the opposite of what responsibility really, truly means.

Because you have a gift. You have a perspective. You have a purpose on this earth and, if you’re not living it – if you’re not expressing it to the best of your ability – you’re letting us all down.

That’s your responsibility. 

To live fully. To express your creativity. To share your gift and your message and your uniquely you view that no one else can.

So are you?

​Are you being responsible to yourself and your dreams? Or are you holding back based on what you think you “should” do?

I lovingly challenge you to choose one thing you can do today to push your limit on how happy, healthy, or wealthy you think you can feel. One way you can honor your desires or express your gift. And then do it.

I won’t promise it’ll be easy, but I guarantee it’s worth it.

Be free. Be brave. Be YOU!