If we allow things to get too out-of-whack we could find ourselves feeling weighed down, resentful, frustrated or depressed. We might even give up on our dreams altogether and that's just heartbreaking!
When did we start believing that our joy should take the backseat to our obligations? I've learned that we are so much happier when we build a fun and impassioned lifestyle FIRST, then only take on responsibilities that fit comfortably within it. Agreeing to things we really don't want to do, or feeling obligated to do things when our heart is not really in it, can suck the joy right out of our lives. Of course our perception plays a huge roll in all this. How we view our tasks can be as labors of love and service, or as grueling duties we must endure.
Another thing worth mentioning is that many of us feel stuck in a job or career that we no longer even like. We believe we have no choice in the matter because we need the money, the 401K, the benefits. But the truth is, we can create work that fills us up; that has us jumping out of bed every single morning excited to begin our day. Yes, it can feel really scary sometimes to step out of our normal routines and start over in something completely new, yet we CAN do it. It's simply a matter of "how bad do I really want this?"
I firmly hold the notion that if we truly love our work, money will naturally follow and then, like Confucius said, "you'll never work a day in your life." I don't know about you, but that's the kind of existence I wanna have.
There is always a way to live the life you desire. If the way hasn't shown itself yet, that doesn't mean there isn't one. Perhaps certain beliefs or fears are holding you hostage; keeping you from clearly seeing the infinite array of possibilities. If what you do no longer ignites excitement and joy, I encourage you to reexamine what you consider a priority in your life. Begin by asking yourself:
- What is stopping me from living the life I dream about?
- Where am I saying "yes" when I really want to say "no?"
- Am I lazy or scared?
- Have I given up on myself?
- Am I sacrificing the things I love, for the things I think I have to do?
- Do I truly love my work?
- Do I often feel resentful, frustrated, stressed out? Why?
- What do I really want?
We must get to the heart of the matter and uncover the beliefs that keep us stuck in a life we endure rather than enjoy. I say this all with compassionate, newfound understanding. Like I've mentioned before, it wasn't easy for me to step out of my comfort zone recently and into a COMPLETELY different line-of-work. And do you want to know what the biggest hurdle was? Believing I was smart enough. Yep, our beliefs are usually the main culprits that hold us back. I guess I just want you to know more than anything, that you always have the power to change them, thus your world.
Go on - create your happy!
You're so darn amazing!