Living Life on Your Own Terms: A Story About Time and Choice
For as long as she could remember, Emma had been a people-pleaser. She followed the rules, did what was expected of her, and always put others first. She worked a stable job that she didn’t love, attended social events out of obligation, and filled her days with tasks that left her feeling drained. Her life was safe, predictable—and deeply unsatisfying.
It wasn’t until a chance encounter with her childhood friend Zoe that Emma began to question the life she was living. Zoe had always been the free spirit of their group, the one who lived boldly and unapologetically. They hadn’t spoken in years, but when Emma saw Zoe’s travel photos on social media—hiking mountains, painting murals, starting her own nonprofit—she felt a pang of envy. How had Zoe created such a vibrant, meaningful life?
A Question That Changes Everything
When Zoe came to town, Emma invited her out for coffee. As they caught up, Emma couldn’t help but ask, “How do you do it? How do you live so freely?”
Zoe leaned back in her chair and smiled. “Honestly? I just decided to stop living by everyone else’s rules. Life is short, Em. You’ve got to live on your own terms.”
The words hit Emma like a lightning bolt. Life is short. She had heard it before, but for some reason, hearing it from Zoe made it feel real. Emma realized she had been waiting—waiting for the “right time” to pursue her dreams, waiting for someone else’s approval to make changes, waiting for life to give her permission to be happy. But what if there wasn’t time to wait?
Taking the First Step
That evening, Emma sat in her apartment, reflecting on Zoe’s words. Life is short. What would it mean to live on her own terms? What would she do if she weren’t so worried about disappointing others or playing it safe?
She grabbed a notebook and began writing. The list grew quickly:
Spend more time outdoors, hiking and exploring.
Start the art classes she had always been too afraid to sign up for.
Declutter her schedule and say no to commitments that didn’t bring her joy.
Plan a solo trip to a place she had always dreamed of visiting.
The list wasn’t about grand, life-altering changes—it was about reconnecting with the things that made her feel alive.
Breaking Free from Expectations
Emma knew that change wouldn’t come easy. She had spent so long living by others’ expectations that the thought of saying no or doing something unconventional felt terrifying. But she also knew that if she didn’t start now, she might never have the courage to do it.
The first step was small. She signed up for a weekend painting class at the local community center, even though a part of her worried she’d be “bad” at it. To her surprise, she loved it. The simple act of putting brush to canvas felt liberating, and for the first time in years, she lost herself in the moment.
Encouraged by that experience, Emma began making more changes. She started hiking on weekends, carving out time to connect with nature. She said no to an invitation she didn’t want to accept, freeing up an evening to relax with a book instead. Each small act of choosing herself felt like a step toward freedom.
Living Boldly
A year later, Emma’s life looked completely different. She had taken that solo trip she’d dreamed about, spending two weeks exploring the breathtaking landscapes of Iceland. She had started sharing her artwork online, connecting with a community of creatives who inspired her. And while she hadn’t left her job, she had found ways to set boundaries and focus on what mattered to her outside of work.
But the biggest change wasn’t in what Emma was doing—it was in how she felt. She was no longer living on autopilot or trying to meet everyone else’s expectations. She was living boldly, with intention, and on her own terms.
What About You?
Emma’s story is a reminder that life is too short to live by someone else’s rules. If you’ve been feeling stuck, ask yourself:
Am I living the life I truly want, or the life others expect of me?
What small steps can I take today to align my life with what matters to me?
What would it look like to live on my own terms?
You don’t have to make dramatic changes overnight. Start small. Choose one thing you’ve always wanted to do and take the first step toward making it happen. Every small act of courage brings you closer to a life that feels authentic and fulfilling.
Live Boldly, Live Freely
Life is short, but it’s also full of possibility. You have the power to shape your days and create a life that feels true to who you are. Don’t wait for the perfect moment or someone else’s permission—start now.
As Zoe once told Emma, “Life is short. You’ve got to live on your own terms.” So, what are you waiting for? The time to start is now.
