what do you want...
I was emailing with a kindred spirit in blog world this week, and she asked me, “what do you want to do with your life?” And for the first time, maybe the first time ever in my 31 years, I had an immediate answer to that question. I have to be honest: The fact that my head and heart had this immediate answer somewhat astounded me.
A few years ago when we still lived in Indiana, my mom, Jon, and I were in Barnes and Noble and I found myself drawn to some books on one of those aisle tables. One title was Is It Too Late to Run Away and Join the Circus? An Updated Guide to Your Second Life by Marti Smye. I have to admit that I stood there thinking, “Do you think I could? Just run away and do that?” At that time, I felt like I was seeking, but I didn’t know what to look for. I didn’t know that I only had to look inward.
These last couple of years have become that journey – that journey inward. I have begun to be honest with myself about what I need and want to do with my life. And, how the doubts creep in and the questions jump out at me unexpectedly at times. Still, I know that if I just pause and listen, I will know what to do.
You have to be honest with yourself though. When you sit in the quiet, what does your heart tell you it needs or wants to do? That is the question. What does your soul need for nourishment? That is the question. Sitting with the questions and just breathing, noticing what comes up; I believe this is the way to find your answers. I used to be afraid to do this, to sit in the quiet and listen. There is an overwhelming power at times when you realize you have to know the answers to the questions of your life. There isn’t a true guidebook, just lots of people trying to tell you what they think is best. And, although their way might be one piece of your way, only you know the answers. Only you know.
In writing an answer to this question of “what do you want to do with your life?” I realized that I am doing it. I had a talk with my good friend Heather last weekend about this idea of “doing.” As Yoda talks about, this idea of “Do or do not. There is not try.” For me, the key has become to do. To stop creating my own hurdles and just do.
As I make a commitment to myself to live in my life and create and write and tell my story, I have to stop talking about doing these things – stop just talking about living and creating and writing – and find my way to action.
this is me
Reader Comments (21)
Hi Liz Elayne
I value people like you who stoke the fires of Truth while we others get distracted.
I went to the bookstore today and got so overwhelmed by the messages blaring forth from the books on fitness, finances, career.
Thanks for the gentleness of your post.
gentle indeed, right down to the 89A, driving into a place of unerring beauty and wonder.
Liz ... wonderful insights (and, you quoted Yoda!!) Seriously, living in the "do" ... in the action ... and also taking the time to reflect, listen and sit with the questions are such wise words. We must hear our path and then walk it. Much peace, deb
Beautiful picture-lovely words. thank you. I found you from comments on Deb(RSR) Love the bags as well
A thought provoking post to read over my morning coffee...lovely photo as well.
"To stop creating my own hurdles and just do." You words of wisdom reminds me of the quote by Vincent van Gogh:
"If you hear a voice within you say 'you cannot paint', then by all means paint and that voice will be silenced."
This quote is what got me painting. I'm no Van Gogh, but I enjoy it immensely. Now, just to get over the writing hurdle.
What great insight you have.
One of the things that I have found a comfort is the realization that we all have fears. That even those individuals who I view as "sucessful" and "happy" have fears.
Sharing our stories is sooo important; as women, as souls on the creative path, as humans.
Don't ever stop!
XO,
melba
Thank you very much for these words. They are very, very helpful to me today...on one of my frozen days.
Fabulous post! Thank you so much for this timely wisdom. I'm soooo glad you've discovered your way and are, indeed, living and telling about it :-)
I'd say I'm on the verge of doing the same. It's a "7" year for me...a very reflective time with MANY old things falling away. It's a confusing time, too. Right now, this week, Mercury is retrograde, there's a full moon and I'm turning 40! Ack!
I know things will continue to become clarified as I move through the next few months. I deeply value having new folks like you in my blog-life to help me on my way.
i, too, am joining you on this journey, liz. it's so easy to get talkin' and chattin' and not livin' and doin'.
i have faith in you, friend.
xo
a
You are so wise for someone so young! If only I had known this much at the tender age of 31! It has taken me MUCH longer to even approach this insight.
bravo, my dear!
Gwen
I have been finding my way as well, listening to my inner wants and needs instead of what everyone else thinks i should be doing...i need to create, i need others to witness what i create...and i am on the journey to making that happen. Good luck on your journey as well....isnt it awesome to discover what WE actually want (and to actually listen to it??)...
The truest words and purest thoughts come from deep within...
may your journey and your doing lead you to the life you desire.. my dearest friend.
xo
I saw something while I was out and about-it was one of those messages from the Universe. It said: "A dream without a plan is a wish."
So yes, taking a moment to listen to the whisperings of you heart is so important. As the brilliant Eleanore Roosevelt said "Be true to that which exsists only within yourself." You have something unique and precious to give to the world. Your mission in life is to find out what that is and to discover ways share it. If you don't do that which is yours to do, it will forever remain undone.
I wish you inspiration for the journey. xo
i found my inner voice saying YES, YES, YES! as i read this post...
Listening. So hard to do with all the distractions and yet the only way to stay in touch with what is essential. Beautiful post.
xxooxx
"As I make a commitment to myself to live in my life and create and write and tell my story, I have to stop talking about doing these things – stop just talking about living and creating and writing – and find my way to action."
This paragraph is incredible and a gift you've given yourself and to me. xoxo
I actually stayed at the Enchantment Resort for 4 days last year and it's amazingly beautiful. Sedona is one of my personal "sacred spaces".
Your piece here is a wonderful reminder to listen to our hearts. For the last 5-6 years I've been on a journey where I simply listen to my feelings. If something doesn't feel right, feel good, or begins to weigh me down - I definitely reconsider whether it has value or not.
Our spirits - our hearts - always know best. Thanks.
WOW! Wow... it took me all the way to 58 to figure this simple thing out. And yet when I just read this, it was like I learned all over again.
Thanks.
The last paragraph says it all...very wise words! I agree. Thanks for sharing this reminder with us.
This is such a wonderful, insightful post and I'm so happy to have read it today. I'm going to bookmark it so that I can read it over and over again.
I have such mixed feelings about what I want to do with my life but sometimes, I think I make that question harder than it really is. I think it would behoove me immensely if I would just start something - whether it is the right thing or not - and go with it, see where it takes me, and alter my path if need be.
But, I don't. But, this post helps me to see that action is the key.
THANK YOU for this wonderful, thought-provoking post today.
xo,
Karen Beth :)