There is nothing that focuses your attention like having a clear direction. Yet with all the distracting noise out there, most of us can get caught by the next glitzy thing and forget where we are going and what we really want.
My recent blogpost on the power of creating a holistic schedule had at its foundation an expectation that you do know where you want to go or who you want to be. Otherwise the steps of the schedule may not take you up the right “building”.
In my career, I’ve had a number of buildings I could’ve climbed. Every once in a while, I had to check in and see if it’s what I really wanted.
My parents wanted me to get my master’s degree or even better, a PhD. I love learning and a part of me would’ve loved the accomplishment. However, I became aware that my interests required an integration of more than one field and moving ‘up’ in one direction was not going to do it for me. Nor did I desire to be in school so long. I wanted to live life.
Years later, I found another ‘building’ somewhat accidentally. It was the Nia (movement arts) practice. I didn’t know what it would become when I began, but years later I graduated with my Nia Black Belt. A couple of years ago, I was invited to become a Nia Trainer. That was a challenging decision because I love Nia so much and love training. However, once again something inside me felt there were other things that my heart wanted to do before stepping into this opportunity, if I were to at all. I had to go to my still small voice to hear and ask whether I wanted to climb that building at that point in time. The answer was ‘no’.
Now, I feel so thrilled and energized about my direction. My coaching work, Nia classes, and styling are all deep loves and I get to express myself fully through them while building a life of my dreams – material, emotional, and spiritual.
So, just because you are on a track doesn’t mean that can’t change your mind or take a break from it. Most things allow us to come back around to them in a way that may be far more satisfying because we are ready and it fits.
- Check in – are you climbing up the building your heart desires? Sometimes it’s a matter of trust. If you don’t trust your own desires, who else will? And, who will need to deal with the consequences?
- It’s possible that you’ve never been asked or allowed to listen to your desires. This is vital. You need someone to see and hear you and honour you. It’s a gift beyond measure.
- Perhaps you’ve been told there are only a few buildings you can climb, while the rest are off limits. In this case you need to ask, “is it really true?” Usually people are caught in other people’s beliefs that aren’t really their own when this goes on.
- It’s also possible that you haven’t been shown a way to do what you want. Know that there are millions of people every day who are taking steps forward to explore anyway, whether they are 5 yrs old or 80. And the one thing they are feeling in the process is alive! That is the best part of the journey.
You have the same opportunity. Trust in yourself, Higher Self, God, any mentor you believe in, or me. There will always be someone who’s been there, done that, and will show you how.
Jasjit Rai is a transformational coach, Nia Black Belt, and personal stylist who loves to lead others in the journey to be and express who they really are – for we all have this one precious life to be who we came to be.
