What are you meant to do?

What are you meant to do? What am I meant to do? This for me has been a nagging question since I was in my late 20’s (long time ago). I have tried and worked at many careers. I have completed many personality assessments. I have studied in various disciplines. I have traveled and lived in many cities. But I still could not find what my true calling was. Or, so I thought.

Now that I look back on past years, I have noticed one pattern, one thread which has been common to each season in my life. Whenever, I flourished (mentally, physically, emotionally and otherwise), I was involved in writing or in helping others with their writing projects. Whenever I hung up my “pen” and ran after other “career” options, I was not as fulfilled, was less healthy, was not financially sound and, worse yet, was often depressed.

In hindsight, I now understand that the periods of lack in my life were blessings. They were meant to help me to find what I was seeking –the answer to the question: “what am I meant to do with my life?”

Now that I no longer wrestle with the task of writing, I feel free-er and more content than ever. I no longer stress over the pain involved in writing. Because yes, writing is painful. It is not fun to dig into one’s soul and to reveal what was once carefully hidden there and then, broadcast it from the mountain top.

All this to say. If you feel that you have not found what you are meant to do with your life– your gifting, or your niche. Take heart. Your life experiences thus far are a beacon to what you are becoming. And somewhere in the trials and struggles perhaps, is the answer that you seek. All the very best in your pursuit of being you.

Trust your gut

I have been waffling back and forth about whether to seek another job or stay with the one I currently have. I prayed. I made my lists of the pros and cons of the present job. I assessed my level of “peace” in the job. I really cannot discern any red flags which suggest that I should exit this opportunity. Yet, I have this nagging “gut feeling” that I should move on. I only started the job at the beginning of this year. Everything, and I mean everything, is great. My boss is fantastic, kind, and an engaging person. I have the freedom to do the tasks that suit my skills and help my fellow colleagues as needed.

However (and I know you knew that the “however” was coming in this post 🙂 ) my gut is uneasy for some reason. What is even worse, today, I asked in prayer for a sign (in my experience when I ask for “signs” I get more than I bargain for and not always in a good way). I arrive at work (I work night shift). I chat with my boss as usual and what does she say. I paraphrase here: “Oh, we are considering reviewing your pay to give you a raise. It may take sometime, she continued, but I feel that we are not paying you at the right level for your skills.” Now what do I do with that! My goodness. How does this “sign” help me? 🙂 🙂

All this to say, always trust your gut and plan long term. In the short term things maybe looking up where I am in this job. However, my feeling is that in the very near future, for some reason, that is not yet clear, I may learn what this present uneasiness is about.

Rest is as good as change

“Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under trees on a summer’s day, listening to the murmur of the water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time.” – John Lubbock

–Photo credit: http://www.pixabay.com

A happy place?

I have lived in some challenging places. I have lived in my car, in a shelter, behind a dumpster and in several apartments. I was reminded recently that each one of these places have developed my ability to survive in some pretty harsh (some of them) circumstances. There is a richness to being able to endure and to be able to look back with some clarity on how circumstances have shaped who you are becoming.

Sometimes we desire things in life but we do not realize the true cost. If we knew what it cost we would shrink from asking for, say, “strength,” for wealth, for patience and so on. But in all cases, in hindsight I understand, although not entirely, (because only God knows the full spectrum of why things happen), that each of my living circumstances, was in its own way… a happy place. I learned more about myself when I was forced to live behind a dumpster for a few days than I did living in an apartment. I learned that I am a survivor. Wherever life takes you –whatever place that may be– know that you are a survivor.

Strength

Flowers can bloom in the most unlikely places. It is a reflection of the nature of life experiences. Life can offer many challenges. Some of those situations are enjoyable and easy to manage. Other experiences in life’s journey are filled with struggle. Know that you have what it takes to stand strong in difficult times.

You are confident and able to honestly and openly face life’s constraints. It is no secret that each day holds its stresses and strife.

When life’s challenge finds its way into your path look within for your strength.

Remind yourself that challenges are a natural part of life. These experiences create chances to learn important things that can help the future you. Look for the opportunity to grow through each challenge. Reach within you – you have the courage and confidence to face whatever troubles you.

Bravery rises to meet you when you seek it.

Your belief in your strength grows with every encounter. The true warrior that you are recalls past battles rejoicing that you have survived. They are in the past now. Those struggles are far behind you. And, the emotional stamina that they imparted help you live through the current situation with H-O-P-E

If everybody likes you– then you must be doing something wrong

If everybody likes you– then you must be doing something wrong. When you stand up for something great, when you express faith, when you live by personal core values; Somebody somewhere will not like your point of view or how you live your life.

Take courage.. “be everything to You, not everything to everybody” – Lisa Liebman-Wang

-Image and quote credit http://www.finetofab.com

You rock!

So things are a mess emotionally. You are being yelled at. People are saying things that are not true about you, or about those you care about. Perhaps this is not a way to upset your emotions but rather it is a test of your courage to stand firm in the face of adversity. Or it is perhaps a way for you to realize how much stronger you have become. Strong to the point that once hurtful words no longer have their sting. You don’t quite remember when those words stopped having their sting. In fact, it was this incident of “offense” that helped you to see that… you have come a long way. You are stronger, you survived… and you are thriving. You rock!

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