On the American Dream

I was talking to my really good friend last night and I said “I partner my life with God—I don’t try to take the responsibility of having a great life on my own.” She was, to say the least, skeptical.

I grew up believing in the American dream—I worked hard, had a good job, had a family, had religion, a house, vacations, stuff and was told ‘this will make you happy.’

But then I turned 40 and realized:

What? Wait… that didn’t work. Why am I not happy and what do I have to look forward to?

The fascinating thing for me was that I expected to love my life because my religion said I would. The promises were great (Heaven) and the dots connected (how to get there). But I certainly wasn’t happy with my life and then it tanked. Good grief—really frustrating!

But I was determined to love life. So I set out to get close to God. I wanted to not only be happy, but I wanted to be peaceful about things. I started searching, questioning, fighting and believing.

…And surrendering.

The surprising thing was the more I let go, the happier I became. I started looking for ways to invest in others’ lives instead of my own.

Who knew?

I genuinely love my life even in these very uncertain times. I’m becoming fearless and actually starting to gain peace and contentment.

So is there hope especially now when many are watching everything they’ve worked hard for slip through their fingers?

My idea for The New American Dream:

Partner your life with God and let it all go. Your life will never be the same.