Followthings i wonder?! what is controversial? what is weird? what is normal??
when facing a new year, you start to reflect on the one ending. my last year -2012- was amazing but not without controversy.
i’ll start with this: i live in a candy colored perfect world almost all the time.
YES, i’m lola & my favorite color is pink!
BUT seriously, i live in a bubble & i ABSOLUTELY LOVE to get out of it and find the nitty gritty real world.
WHY? because it’s where most people live.
i know i’m lucky. i’m happy to return to the bubble BUT only temporarily. it’s not reality. it’s not where life is really happening. sorry friends if i offend.
this year has been one of my very best because i pushed my limits and you know what, i pushed yours too. who sets the rules? why are they set? who cares why? isn’t it better to learn from the challenges? isn’t better to know what else is out there and why we’re lucky? or how we are short-falling ourselves???
how can you judge me for wanting to know? how can you judge me for sharing with you what else is out there? i often wonder…don’t you want to know? aren’t you curious how the world gets on in other places?
is this too deep for you because it’s me, lola, saying it? or are you actually reading it??
i want you to know something. when people ask me what i do when i’m away traveling, no one says “oh well, how do you do that?!” OR “you have a tolerant family” they don’t think to themselves or whisper to others that something *MUST* be wrong to wish to travel so much.
NO, they actually treat what i do as a real profession and me as a person who should be able to go out into the world and do what it is i love. they don’t impress upon me rules. maybe it’s because they’re strangers. even still, i appreciate the response. the lack of judgement.
i’m especially embarrassed to say that the biggest judgers are women. and not ignorant women BUT women who should know better. these women treat me as if i should be living the life of a “traditional” woman. whatever that is. SHAME. ON. YOU. no wonder we haven’t advanced that much. we are our own worst enemies. almost NO men have said something indicating i’m making bad life choices. almost 100% of the negative feedback is from women. why?! because men know that the world is an oyster and it’s for the taking.
what am i trying to say here? many things. ladies, stop being so mean to your own kind. just because someone is doing something different doesn’t mean it’s wrong. AND!!! is it your business anyway? i wonder?? i’m guessing NO NO NO!
what else am i saying? GO. FOR. IT. don’t stop dreaming! despite my hurt feelings at people’s judgements this past year, my pushing myself has brought ME much happiness. I HAVE created something viable of my very own & i LOVE what i do!
so nanny nanny boo boo!
AND don’t expect 2013 to look ANY different. BIGGER BOLDER BETTER!
Go Lola! Just remember…we’re not all judgers! You have a LOT of friends who love what you do–even if we’re peeking out from our own bubbles. Lots of love to you. Personally, I can’t wait to see what 2013 brings for you and what you bring to 2013. And I’m glad I’ll get to join in on at least a few adventures!
There are closed-minded people of both sexes, unfortunately. Don’t let them get under your skin. Just feel sorry for them. I bet that when we’re all on our death beds, they’ll have more regrets than you will.
and that is exactly why I find you so inspiring Lola! Please, keep pushing those boundaries! Keep living it to the fullest! I am caught between the two worlds and trying to find my place…and then I see a bright boa and think…what would Lola do! Can’t wait to see what 2013 brings for either of us! I am sure the adventures will be plentiful!
You go my friend….you inspire…can hardly wait to see BIGGER. BOLDER. BETTER!
Anita Mac recently posted…Top 5 Travel Experiences from 2012
Sorry to hear Lola has some haters. You have a fan here though 🙂
Traveling Ted recently posted…Training and coverage of the 2013 American Birkebeiner Marathon
Why would anyone hate you for traveling and having fun and even doing some humanitarian good in the process? If there are people like that I’m sure it’s jealousy and that it’s themselves that they hate. I would say that all of my “old” friends except two think my new blogging and traveling “career” is a little crazy. They knew the corporate me forever but they’ll deal with this or they won’t! You’ve been very kind to me as a newbie. Ignore the haters – they have to live their lives as them and you don’t! Happy New Year!
Kay Dougherty recently posted…Weekly Photo Challenge: Our 2012 in Pictures
I love everything about you. Phuck the haters, my friend.
Leah Travels recently posted…12 Favorite Posts from 2012
Wait…what? Women judge you for traveling for a living and not having a “traditional” looking life? Really. What year is this? 1968?
F#%k ’em
It’s going to be fun to watch your adventures next year!
Amen, Lola! Ignore the haters. People hate through jealousy and regret for their own life choices. They’re usually people who are unhappy with their own lives yet aren’t willing to take the leap and make a change. Keep on doing what you’re doing, oh and three more words…actually make that four: March. Electric. Blue. Boa.
Tom @ Waegook Tom recently posted…The Double Whammy Review!
I’ll learn to live with pink, if you’re there as its biggest fan and cheerleader, Lols/Lola. I salute thee. 😉
fotoeins | Henry recently posted…Berlin’s Wittenbergplatz on a foggy fall night
People with these views are only jealous of your fabulous life. Fuck them, you’re amazing xxx
Scarlett recently posted…The Scarlett Guide To… The Best Moments Of 2012
Jealousy is such a hideous emotion to see and it’s often the first emotion shown when people don’t fully understand ‘amazing things’ happening to other people and don’t know how to speak truthfully without hurt so they get angry instead and tell you that your life is wrong because deep down, they feel THEIR world/life is wrong.
All you can do is be selfish, chase your happiness and bring your true friends along for the ride 🙂 x
Toni recently posted…Instead of looking back at 2012, I’m looking forward…
You being yourself is the number one thing that makes you awesome and makes it so much fun to read your blog and follow your adventures.
Those people who pass judgement on you are trying to mask their own unhappiness by doing it- they aren’t worth any thought or time.
Just keep being your fabulous self!!!!!
Erik recently posted…New Zealand-Chapter 23: Fleeing Rotorua and the Most Wonderful Surprise (pt.1)
I am totally with you on that one and I can’t wait for 2013 to be even more amazing than 2012 🙂
Life is too short – and you are right, people should mind their own business. I have one word for you: jealousy!
Wish you all the best in 2013! And lots of trips. of course!!
@mrsoaroundworld recently posted…2012 – My year in travel: 40 flights, 80 hotel nights and 100,000 km+
I love that you tell it like it is! I follow you because I wish I had started earlier in my life to explore the world. I am jealous that you are doing what I wanted to do when i was younger. I wouldn’t give up what I have experienced but I am now more anxious to explore more because I read your adventures. They are wonderful…..I love the fact you are who you are. I look forward to 2013 and reading more of your life in travel.
Yay, Lola! Okay, for real, we need to meet face to face this year! I agree. No one should judge another person for how they decide to live their life. People used to think I was crazy, now they know travel is a part of my life. However, they ALWAYS say, “Do it now before you get married and have kids.” I always respond with, “I’m strapping that husband and baby on my bag and taking them with me, and if I can’t, I’m marrying someone who loves that I want to see the world and will let me go, even if they can’t always come along.” Then they roll their eyes and I know they are thinking I’m being unrealistic. Whatever, a cookie cutter life is not for me, and I’m so glad I’ve found others who feel the same. Can’t wait to follow your even bigger, bolder year! xx
Erin Marie recently posted…2013: The Year of No Limits.
I hate the phrase “haters gonna hate.” (wow, that’s a lot of hate) But it applies here. Keep at it Lola:)
D.J. – The World of Deej recently posted…Discovering Georgia’s History on St. Simons Island
who are these haters and where can we find them? our hair accessories might make us seem dainty, but trust us when we say: we can pack a punch.
the lazy travelers recently posted…no travel required
You rebel, you! LOL
Raul (@ilivetotravel in Twitter) recently posted…My Favorite Nativity Sets
Lola, i am just impressed with the amount of CAPITAL letters you used in this post… wow. And when ladies get on you about your ways, tell them your favorite color is pink… and that is very lady-like indeed.
all the best in 2013, and please don’t change too much… I like Lola.
stay adventurous, Craig
ps – when you were rambling on about bubbles, I was thinking of a glass of champagne… 😉
Craig Zabransky recently posted…A Personal Island Tour takes me to Daaibooi Beach, Curacao
Lola, please don’t ever change! For the sake of individuality and inspiration, don’t let any naysayers bring you down. I think you are a stellar person, who by letting go and not worrying what others think shows other people how one can fully live their life. Seriously, what normal person frolics around the globe with a smile, a passion, and a feather boa? My point exactly, normality will NEVER be as fun as the sentence before this sounded. One of my biggest feats I face is I worry about fully letting to and what other people think (hence why I did Chip N’ Dales on a cruise ship to conquer this fear) and your hilarious posts help me realize it doesn’t matter what other people think. Just be yourself. Keep being a rockstar Lola!
Ryan recently posted…Your New Year Resolutions are Rubbish – How to Take on 2013.
People love to try and mold others into what they imagine is the right form. Screw that! Keep doing what makes you happy, Lola! xo
Pola (@jettingaround) recently posted…Photo of the Week: Victorian architecture in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter
Well said & can related to the following: “…they whisper to others that something *MUST* be wrong to wish to travel so much.” Keep being great and happy 2013!
Tal Gur recently posted…2012.. 2103
thank you Tal Gur! you are indeed such a great friend and supporter!