One of the many interesting things about blogging is that you learn a lot about what people are dealing with in their lives. It reinforces the concept that we are all trying to find some meaning, purpose, love, inner peace and so on.
As you all know, I firmly believe that when we look back at our lives, we can see how all the pieces fell into place and there is a story behind how we got to where we are. Sometimes, when we are in the midst of things, it is hard to see the meaning or the outcome but just because we do not see it, does not mean that it isn’t there.
When I look back at my journey, I see that the one underlying theme throughout it all has been a call to spirituality. If you had told me back when I was in my twenties, that I would be writing about spirituality in my thirties and that I would want to do it as a career, I would have not believed it.
Spirituality used to be something I was interested in but I viewed it as a hobby or something that was on the side. It never occurred to me that it could be a way of life. On some level, it was natural but yet I was dealing with a massive amount of issues. With the passage of time, I have come to see that it is something that speaks to my soul and feels like my calling.
I struggle with this calling because it is a huge responsibility. All of us who blog, have a responsibility as to what we put out on the internet. One of my rules with any post is that whatever I write about, has to be something I have experienced. To write about something I have not mastered or at least made some peace with, is a huge disservice not only to the reader but to myself.
That is what happens when you learn about karma; you become really careful about being sure of what you do out in the world. However, as someone very dear to me said, that is what callings are usually about. If something is too easy then it might not hold as much meaning. I mean, even Jesus was not too thrilled to know that he would have to be nailed to a cross. He even asked God for a ticket out the night before he was arrested, according to the Bible.
That said, we each have a calling and a purpose. I am often fascinated to discover that people believe they will have only one purpose or passion or calling. Who said that it had to be only one? Yet many people feel that is the case.
Actually, I can tell you what one of your many purposes is. It is to live your life to the best of your ability. To live with honesty, compassion and to add beauty to the world. In order to carry out that purpose, you do not need a fancy degree, lots of money nor do you have to be physically beautiful.
At the core of all of us, is someone who is a being of love who is designed to give love and to be love. Now some people are so angry they go off and are violent. Such people are in pain and are crying out for love. Sounds contradictory but I have yet to see an emotionally healthy person who is violent.
We have all struggled with our share of pain. No one is immune from having their version of it. However, you do not need to identify yourself according to your pain. Pain is an incredible teacher, if you choose to see it like that.
There is a story which is taught in monasteries about a mother who lost her child and was angry about what happened. She felt that God had singled her out and that no other person could understand her pain. She went to her local temple (the story takes place in India) and voiced her anger about her life to the high monk.
The high monk gave her a candle which he lit. He told her to go to all of the homes in the village and ask if anyone has not experienced any pain in their lives. If she did come across such a household, she could blow out the candle and return to the monastery. She eagerly accepted the challenge, convinced that it would take her hardly an hour to return.
The woman returned to the monastery after two days and the candle was still lit. She realized that no one was immune from having their own share of pain. She was humbled by the whole experience and never again felt sorry for herself.
The human mind likes to think of itself as been separate from everyone because it appears to be such. Each person has their own unique way of carrying their pain. However, just because someone’s pain is not visible, does not mean it does not exist.
The essential key to making the most out of life is to realize that it all boils down to perception. Taking lemons and turning them into lemon meringue pie is a skill that we can all learn if we choose to do so.
If you want to discover your purpose, then it is simple; look within your heart and see what is revealed to you. Each one of us has an inner voice but it gets clouded with something we like to call reason and logic. Logic and reason do have a purpose but in order to listen to your heart, you need reason and logic to be silent.
Everyone has a calling and each calling is significant. I was recently at Starbucks and the woman who was preparing the drinks loved what she was doing. She wrote these really happy and uplifting messages on a bunch of cups and had them lined up around the ledge that faced the customers as they waited. She smiled at each person and wished each person a happy day.
What was even more impressive is that she meant every word. I asked her about her attitude and she told me that she felt her purpose at this time in her life was to make drinks for people and she felt it was her calling to do it with love. She said nothing is better than to see a person smile when they get their morning drink. I don’t know about you but I think that woman was much more impressive than many lawyers or doctors.
“Often people attempt to live their lives backwards; they try to have more things, or more money, in order to do more of what they want, so they will be happier. The way that it actually works is the reverse. You must first be who you really are, then do what you love to do, in order to have what you want”. – Margaret Young
Note: To read more about the reasons behind my new schedule change, click here.
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That Margaret Young quote is one of my favourites!
You’re so right, Nadia, and this is one of the common core values our friendship’s based on. Years ago, I was criticised for having multiple patchwork careers. Then people told me I was daft to have a blog that combines three ‘niches’; I just smiled and told them it was a miracle I managed to get it down to three. I have loads of passions and would love to share everything I’ve ever learned or loved with everyone I’m lucky enough to cross paths with. Life is one long learning journey; we travel to discover our true calling and gifts and then to find out what to do with them and who to take them to. You definitely have a calling; I’m glad you decided not to become a nun, but I do think you’d be very comfortable in a ministering role.
Thank you – I really enjoyed this post!
.-= janice´s last blog ..Take Time to Treasure What’s Important =-.
Hi Janice,
You are welcome and thank you for all that you said.
For some reason or another, many people think that they need one passion or one purpose in life. I never have held that view because I think life is too full of wonder and options to have only one passion and one purpose. What I loved as a child, I do not necessarily love now. People grow and evolve and our interests reflect those changes.
“At the core of all of us, is someone who is a being of love who is designed to give love and to be love.”
Loved that line, especially ‘to be love’. In small ways , and big, I suppose to be love is all that matters. Beautiful
Hi Uzma,
In the end, it is all about love.
Hey, Nadia! I love this post, and particularly this line, since I keep to the same rule:
“One of my rules with any post is that whatever I write about, has to be something I have experienced.”
It never ceases to amaze my how many people are out there blogging or writing books about How To Be Happy (or any other topic), but who aren’t happy themselves. They research the subject, compile tips and tricks, and quote the experts in order to pass on information. But one is left with the sense that if any of that worked, the author would already be happy.
The only thing that works, as you mentioned here, is finding happiness (and passion, purpose, inner peace, fulfillment, etc) within ourselves.
Happy Monday, Sweets!
.-= Lisis´s last blog ..Adventure: Remixing Your Perspective =-.
Hi Lisis,
Happy Monday to you too!
I know what you mean. It would be far more interesting if a cranky person wrote about their struggle to find happiness than to read something like what you mentioned. Actually, such a piece would probably be entertaining because we all have had our moments of being cranky pants. 
I have to echo the comments before me (because they warmed me just as much as your post did!), and then add that I, too, loved the Margaret Young line (and sent it to someone I adore). I also agree with the premise of writing about only those things I’ve experienced. Some people can write very compellingly from a research standpoint, but for me, it has to come from my heart (which means I have to be living it somehow).
I never would have imagined that at 33 I’d be writing for a living, and certainly not about joy or spirituality. Great minds, Nadia! Yet this feels right to me — this feels natural. And in five more years, something else might feel natural. I like how you wrote that we don’t have to have just one purpose. That’s great news for a fickle-minded soul like myself!
Happy Monday, Happy Lotus!
.-= Megan “JoyGirl!” Bord´s last blog ..Do We Really Know Anything? =-.
Hi Megan,
Happy Monday to you too!
Isn’t that Margaret Young quote awesome? I just love it. The first time I read it I felt like a huge lightbulb went off in my head. It is so common sense yet is so profound too. I know what you mean about how you find yourself in a unique place in your life. I feel the same way too. I hope that the road ahead for all of us is going to be filled with much more joy and blessings. I look forward to where we will all be whether it is in five years or five months!
Hi Nadia,
An inspiring post like always. Happy Monday!
.-= Vi | Maximizing Utility´s last blog ..On relationships: Communication =-.
Hi Vi,
Happy Monday to you too! Thank you for the kind words. Hope all is awesome.
Hi Nadia,
Loved the fable about the candle. Great post.
Steve Pavlina had a popular post called “How to Discover Your Life Purpose in 20 Minutes,” wherein he suggests that you just write out purpose statements that come to mind, one after another, until you find one that makes you cry when you read it.
It made sense to me, and I tried it, but quickly realized that I do not believe my purpose is something I will be able to put precisely into words. I have a very clear sense of it, but I have not been able to represent it with any kind of statement.
The best I can do is say that it has something to with helping myself and other humans to evolve past our worst behavior and towards our best behavior.
.-= David Cain´s last blog ..Monday Update =-.
Hi David,
Good for you for knowing your purpose. Whether you can describe it or not, it does not matter. Just as long as you know it. Each person has to discover their purpose in their own way and in their own time. Hope all is well.
Hi Nadia, lovely post…. lots to think about as usual…. thank you—
I came across this article this morning— interesting read….one never truly knows… but thought I’d pass it onto you.
http://www.naturalnews.com/026517_Michael_Jackson_drugs_pharmas.html
Hi Molly,
Thank you so much for the article. It was really interesting and all I could think about was how similar it is to Elvis Presely’s situation towards the end of his life. Kind of sad but not surprising considering how some people are so eager for money they will do anything to get it. If you come across any more article like this, please let me know. I would really appreciate it. Hope all is awesome!
Love what you wrote about how we can have more than one calling or purpose. I feel like people want to narrow in on one thing and that keeps them from living a full life rich with opportunities and possibilities.
.-= Positively Present´s last blog ..5 ways to leave your fingerprints on the world =-.
Hi Dani,
I totally agree with you. Life is so filled with so much wonder and beauty. I am often amazed at how people do not see what is around them. I believe it was Goethe who said that if your mind can perceive it, then you can achieve it. Each person is capable of so much but we lose sight of that and think we only have to be good at one thing. Who said?
Hi Nadia. I really related to this post. I feel as though I am being called to write these days. I am filled with joy everytime that I do a blog entry. I am even thinking of taking an official writing class. This would not be happening if it weren’t for the fact that I have begun to let my Spirit talk. I am listening to what my heart says for the first time ever. I also believe that my sole purpose in this life is to be happy, joyous and free. I used to be one of those people who believed that everyone had 1 purpose in life. I just didn’t know what mine was. Now I know that my purpose could change daily and that is ok. As long as I act from the heart, I feel I am living my purpose.
Hi Jill,
Good for you! I am so happy that you are listening to your heart and Spirit.
You are right, that when you allow yourself to be guided by your heart, you are lead in the direction that you need to go and it brings not only a sense of peace but an awareness of what is your purpose. The purpose will evolve with time and that is how it should be. Stagnation is never a good thing.
From lemons to lemon meringue pie? … now that’s powerful!
I agree, purpose, perspective, passion and power are a powerful combo. Who can beat acting on your purpose with a passion and keeping a balanced perspective? It’s a recipe for success.
.-= J.D. Meier´s last blog ..If You Miss the Train, Catch the Next One =-.
Hi J.D.!
Everyone does lemonade but how many can do meringue pie!
Thank you for sharing your recipe for success. I agree with your outlook. A combination of passion, purpose and perspective really can do wonders. Hope all is well.
Hi Nadia,
This post is spoken with such heart and soul behind it, and I can just feel that. I can feel how these words ring true for you. And know that they do for me too. Very much, on this journey I’m on, I’m realizing just how much following our heart trumps following reason and logic. What a greater place of peace than in knowing deeply within that you are doing the work you’re meant to do. Nadia, you give wings to the thoughts bouncing around in my heart…and for that I am forever grateful. Thank you.
.-= Lance´s last blog ..Through The Eyes of Truth =-.
Hi Lance,
You are so welcome and it is wonderful to know that the post gave wings to thoughts that are bouncing around your heart. I have never been very good with following reason and logic. Each time I followed those two, I usually ended up in more trouble than when I followed my heart. I used to make a lot of jokes about it but then I realized that when you listen to your heart, that is your inner voice guiding you what to do. Reason and logic do have a place in life but when deciding how to proceed with anything, the inner voice should be the guide. Then again, that is my experience.
Hi Nadia,
I found your post to be so uplifting and inspiring. I can not even put into words just how much your words have moved and helped me.
Thank You
.-= Tabitha@ichoosebliss´s last blog ..21 Days of Simplicity – Day 8 =-.
Hi Tabitha!
Welcome to Happy Lotus! I love the name of your site. I choose bliss too!
I am so happy that the post was of help.
“One of my rules with any post is that whatever I write about, has to be something I have experienced.”
I can totally understand where you’re coming from with regard to the above principle. However, I don’t always write about something I have personally experienced. I do talk about other people’s experiences as well, like my friends or other people I’ve met in my life.
And I also write about experiences I’ve not had but would want to start experiencing or principles I’ve not worked on but would start to work on. The reason being that my blog is not only a platform to share with my readers what I’ve experienced and learnt, but it’s also my personal journal to note down what I want to do or should do, and put things into perspective so that I can learn better.
Thanks so much for this great post, Nadia! I totally enjoyed it.
Cheers~
Mark
.-= Mark Foo | TheBigDreamer.com´s last blog ..Failure Is Never Final! =-.
Hi Mark,
No worries, each person has to do what feels right to them and each person has a different objective/purpose for their blog.
I was just sharing my views for my blog and what works for me. Hope all is awesome!
Wonderful post Nadia! Reading heartfelt words such as yours makes me eternally grateful I’ve tuned into the blogosphere – there is such rich content and thought provoking wisdom. I was touched that you said we are not limited by one purpose for all of our lives. Purpose is so individual and I think sometimes people are put off by the idea of doing something f-o-r-e-v-e-r even tho at this moment in time it seems to be the thing they resonate with the most.
When I look back on my life, I see purpose shape shifting. There is a pattern, a connection, but it changes. One purpose today can lead to another very unexpected one down the road. Being open to that possibility is key. Everything changes. Making the very best of the moment before you is a purpose in itself.
I feel blessed following your blog and watching your purpose unfold in your thought provoking and loving posts!
.-= suzen´s last blog ..Sitting by the Dock of the Bay……….. =-.
Hi Suzen,
You are such a kind person…thank you so much for all that you wrote. You are absolutely right, people just have to be open to the possibilities and there are definitely many. I think life is like a river, you just have to go with the flow and see where it takes you. Usually you end up going in the direction that is just perfect for you and when you just go with the flow, the ride is so much easier.
Hi Nadia:
I loved this post. “What is your purpose?” is such an easy question and yet, the answer has eluded me for a long time. I suppose the answer is already within me and it probably guides me on a daily basis, but it has been a difficult thing to articulate. Nonetheless, it is such an important thing to consider on a daily basis as we are being pulled in many directions. BTW, great story and visuals in your post as well. Thanks for sharing!
.-= Tim´s last blog ..Social Media and the News =-.
Hi Tim,
You are most welcome and I am glad that the post provided some insight. I do feel that it is one topic that we have complicated far more than is necessary. I think purpose is one of those things that ebbs and flows. Hope all is awesome!
Hi Nadia,
Reliance only on direct experience is a critical part of writing and mentoring–indeed it is a critical component of awakening. Often when we come to spirituality, we are suffering and we are vulnerable to enchantment with the ideas. In a poem the awakened Seng-ts’an wrote: “Do not seek the truth; only cease to cherish opinions.”
It’s a wonderful thing when true inspiration finds us, but there is a also a great deal of angst about finding one’s passion or calling. In my experience it finds us. And the calling we all have is live a compassionate, happy life.
Thanks Nadia, for a thoughtful article.
.-= Kaushik´s last blog ..The Red Pill of Awakening =-.
Hi Kaushik,
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I agree that a lot of angst is created when people cannot find their passion or calling due to all the pressure that is placed on the issue. Many people feel that a passion has to be this big thing but it can be a bunch of small things. There is no set method and as I said in the post, one purpose we have is to go out into the world and spread beauty and love. We each are important in our own way.
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