What is My Calling?

"What is my calling?" Do any of us really have complete clarity about our life calling? Even those of us with the knowingness we must teach, write or sing may often ask, "What direction am I to go, now?" How do we answer these soulful questions?

Richard Bolles, author of "What Color is My Parachute?" and the granddaddy of the employment industry says, when people are asked what they would like to do they often respond with "I don't know." Bolles maintains this is because people interpret the question to be "What am I going to do with the rest of my life?"

This question is too big, too daunting, immobilizing people. Instead, remind yourself that the career journey is much like driving a car in the fog. Sign posts arrive at the crossroads and we can reach our destination despite the fog. Instead of worrying ourselves with not having the answer to our career/path questions (that perhaps, can only be revealed as we grow into them) what if we simply looked for the slender threads?

Slender Threads at Work

As Robert Johnson, says in "Balancing Heaven and Earth," slender threads are about "being in a particular place at just the right time, meeting someone who steers you in an unforeseen direction, the unexpected appearance of work or money or inspiration just when they are most needed? Whether called fate, destiny or the hand of God, slender threads are at work? weaving the remarkable tapestry of our lives."

Tuesday morning I wrote in my journal, "If we had the money to retire right now with all of our needs abundantly met for life; what would I be doing with my free time? How would I enjoy contributing?"

That very night I 'happened' across an interview with Alanis Morissette on Much Music. Strangely enough, I watch little TV, dislike what I've glimpsed of Much Music, and I do not listen to Alanis Morissette's music. Yet, quickly captured by Alanis's words, I watched the one hour interview with her which helped clarify my longing for more direction in my career. Ah, slender threads at work!

Alanis attributed her enormous success to her willingness to be as transparent and authentic as she possibly can. By freely expressing herself, her truths ? however frightening and humbling ? Alanis said she gives people the courage to freely express their selves.

By accepting all aspects of her self including "the good and the bad," Alanis spoke of how she has become more integrated, whole, and authentic. She is comfortable in her own skin. Being whole ? with all of our short-falls is so much more freeing than working hard to always look good. Through allowing her self to be wholly alive and authentic, Alanis spoke of learning to love the human condition and having compassion for us all.

Closely living this transparent, authenticity resonates deeply in my soul. It is here we are our most vulnerable, compassionate and real. It is here we learn to trust who we are. What a precious reminder for all of us to follow our own authentic self and inner truth.

You Know Your Truth

When Alanis was asked how she comes up with song-writing ideas, she said she rereads her personal journals to find her truth and direction. What a pearl ? however simplistic. We can all reconnect with our truth, our calling and direction through revisiting our journals. If you do not write a journal now would be good time to start.

Alanis inspired me to re-read my journal and the 'theme' of my life was readily apparent. My constant quest for a deeper understanding of myself, the human condition and of God is always there. Clearly, this lifeblood of mine must be the foundation of all that I do.

By looking deeply within at our own truths we can uncover our direction. We know it in ourselves if we would but nurture the expression of it rather than squelching it or adamantly sticking with, "I don't know." And yes, sometimes it does help to talk to the right person who can reconnect you with what you already know.

Trust that you do know what you want to do ? even if it does not seem readily apparent. That's O.K. Just begin by giving yourself the freedom to express your inner desires, dreams and fears by journaling everyday. Without judgment, allow yourself to write and think about what you enjoy doing, or would enjoy doing, if you had the money, time, education, experience, fill-in-the-blank.

Through these simple acts of trusting ourselves, listening to ourselves, and looking for the slender threads weaving our lives we nurture the relationship with our deeper self. Herein, we learn to reconnect with our inner truths and find the path to our calling.

Teresa Proudlove has been inspiring, supporting, and guiding over 3000 people upon their lifework path for over fourteen years - with compassion and heart. Visit Teresa at http://www.yourlifework.com; listen to your inner guidance and navigate through life and work with more acceptance and peace.

---

Avoid Mistakes and Gaffes in Your Job Resume

Having mistakes and gaffes in your job resume spell disaster... Read More

How To Find A Job As A Copy Editor

Jobs for copy editors may seem like they are hard... Read More

What Me? Lie On My Resume? Who Will Know?

The temptation to lie on a resume is great! How... Read More

What Do Employees Wish for Most (And How To Get It)

What do many employees wish for at work? A bonus... Read More

How To Ask For A Pay Rise!

Negotiating a pay rise is not something many people do... Read More

Defining Success Your Way!

In my career advising practice, I often find that my... Read More

Book Summary: How to Work with Just About Anyone

This article is based on the following book:How... Read More

Your Cover Letter MUST Ask This Question

Imagine receiving a letter from a salesman who wants to... Read More

7 Steps to Interviews that Win the Job

These days, interviews don't come easily. When you get The... Read More

Planning Your Successful Career: 15 Ideas

"Doing a good job is one of the most important... Read More

Fuzzy Headed Job Goals Lead to a Fuzzy Headed Life!

May I clarify in this article what I believe to... Read More

Work at Home Jobs Vs Self Employment

Work at Home Jobs vs Owning a Home Based BusinessNot... Read More

10 Steps to Escape the Job World and Create the Life You Really Want

1. GET THE POINT ? OF LIFE, THAT IS.... Read More

Applying for a Job in Another Country? International Resumes

Is an International Resume still a Resume? This is a... Read More

18 Career Enhancement Caveats

Core value investing in your careerMany people walk through their... Read More

Hunting the Executive Head Hunter

5 tips to win over an executive head hunter or... Read More

When Bad Interviews Happen to Good Candidates

Going through the motions of a bad interview is like... Read More

Cover Letter Sample -- For the Corporate Flight Attendant

Writing a cover letter to send with your résumé can... Read More

Do You Have a Hotsy-Totsy Resume?

I begin this article with a bit of slang description.... Read More

Why Employers Want an Employee with a Degree

You wake up in the morning, head to work, and... Read More

10 Ways to Speed-Up Your Job Search Effort

Today everyone knows at least one person who has lost... Read More

Preparing For Your Job Interview: What You Need To Know To Be Successful

In the limited time an interviewer has with you, their... Read More

Telecommuting Resumes

Your resume needs to outline your skills and experience, as... Read More

How To Tap Into the Invisible Job Market

Is there a company in your area that you'd love... Read More

Working in Dubai

Dubai in the United Arab Emirates is one of the... Read More

Start Working Before You Get Hired

What if there were a way to *prove* to any... Read More

What Your Guidance Counselor, Career Counselor, and Own Mother Probably Never Told You...

The alarm clock jars you awake at some insanely... Read More

Rekindling Passion for Work

Passion comes in many forms. I'm focused on the version... Read More

Cleaning Houses for a Living Has Some Unexpected Benefits

If you're looking for a way to earn a living... Read More

Yesterdays Hero

Wonder Woman makes it looks so easy. She gets up... Read More

Surviving Unemployment Through Emotional Damage Control

Looking for work is a roller-coaster ride: high with elation... Read More

The Telecommuting Tightrope

For many of us, telecommuting seems like the ideal situation.... Read More

When and How to Say I Just Cant Do It!

We naturally hesitate to tell our boss when we can't... Read More