Most of us, when asked, what we really want to do have a hefty list of reasons we can't do it. Resistance is strong. Powerful. "Safe" jobs or careers overwhelmingly take precedence over creative, inspiring vocations that come from our heart. In our culture, there is a strong belief that a career in the creative arts should be relegated to a hobby--at best. Careers that focus on benefits, money and security are pushed hard by parents and schools.
I find this interesting because undoubtedly you could find many, many examples of people doing exactly what you really want to do. And, making a great living at it as well. So, the big question is: why do we pass it off as good luck, timing or divine lining up of the stars for others? Why do we not factor ourselves into the equation?
I've heard it said that our deepest fear is not the fear of failure, but the fear of success. The following passage by New Thought speaker Marianne Williamson gets to the heart of the issue at hand.
Springtime beauty abounds. Banneaux, Belgium.
"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we're liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."
I love this powerful passage. Every time I read it I'm filled with a renewed feeling of creative energy. For a small moment in time I forget that I have limits. I begin to see them as what they truly are-- limits I have imposed upon myself. Granted, when we are teenagers and highly influenced by the well-meaning adults around us we simply want to do what seems to be the path of least resistance. Most of the standardized tests are measuring for academic paths. It's no wonder that many of us have passed off the idea of becoming a creative manifester as child's play.
However, as we move into our adult years we still have the internal whisper to make manifest our powerful creativity. Every year that goes by it takes more energy to resist what we are meant to do. The whisper becomes louder and louder. Job burn-out looms. Days are spent dreaming about making a living doing what we really want to do. Questions swirl around. How on Earth can I leave this day job? How do I engage in learning about my Divine Self? Am I meant for a meaningful life?
I often think of a famous analogy coined by renowned psychiatrist Carl Jung. He wrote about the morning, afternoon and evenings of our life. In the morning of our life we are brought up to be part of the society we are born in to. We look to others to lead and guide us. Our energy is spent morphing into this acceptable, societal mold.
Perhaps the callings of nature speak to you? Om Beach, Gokarna, India.
As we move into the afternoon of our lives (typically around 40 in the Western world) we begin to question what was taught to us during the morning. What used to feel right no longer does. Deep questions begin to surface that beg to be answered? What is my purpose? Why am I here? How may I serve? We begin to see more clearly the discrepancy between what was taught to us in the morning and how we feel moving into the afternoon.
As we further contemplate these questions we realize we have depths within us that we long to share with the world. The gap between what we want and what is not yet seems incredibly big. Like trying to jump the Grand Canyon. The inner critic and our habit of self-sabotage kicks into high gear. We think.. Who am I to be great? Who am I to shine?
To counter these negative, self-sabotaging thoughts I refer back to the teachings of Marianne Williamson. Flip these questions: Who am I not to be great? Who am I not to shine? Who am I serving by staying small? Why is it more important to care about what others think of me more than I think of myself?
"Move confidently in the direction of your dreams." Thoreau
Jung himself wrote that most people make the false assumption that can take their old thinking and habits with them to make this transition. To successfully move into the afternoon of our lives we must embrace new thoughts that support our growth. Beginning with realizing the whispers, perhaps shouts by now, need to be heard. As we tune in it's important to embrace gentleness with ourselves as we allow this shift to happen.
Release judgements about how you are inspired by the afternoon's calling. Follow your inner guidance and what speaks to you. This is a time of reflection. Blessed Mother Mary of Portugal
We may notice a new curiosity around interests, classes and books that we have not had before. Perhaps we gain more insight around the benefits of internal practices such as yoga, meditation and visualization techniques. Teachers will arrive in our lives with the perfect messages we need for this part of our journey. These are all guiding lights sent to help you in the movement towards a life lived in alignment with truth and integrity.
How it is all going to happen is best left to the unknown. Take little steps, day-by-day, in the direction of your dreams. Trust that you will be supported. Movement forward alleviates overwhelm. This is important so I will repeat it. Movement forward alleviates overwhelm. Start by allowing yourself to think of following your deeper calling. Read the books that show up. Look at inspiring photos. Take a class that interests you. Meditate. Walk more in nature. Invite yourself to think expansively. Listen. Listen. Listen. Then, take action.
The afternoon of your life is waiting...are you ready?
Joanna
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