First of all, I want to thank every single one of you who wrote to me either in the comments or via email to share your thoughts and suggestions about my last post. Words cannot adequately describe the gratitude that I feel. Your support is something that I treasure. I am humbled and touched in ways that I never imagined. Many blessings to all of you…even those who did not write or leave a comment. May your days be always filled with love and light. Now, on to the new post…..
If you had told me as a teenager, that the majority of my adult life would be some sort of spiritual quest, I would have thought you were insane.
The call of spirituality has always been present in my life. Looking back at it, I swear it was constantly lurking in the background, waiting for me to succumb to its powers. It was a gentle observer for I think it knew that eventually, I would fall into it’s hand and surrender the rest of my life to it. However, it took me a long time to accept that fact. It was thanks to the city of Paris that everything changed for me.
I have been fortunate to visit Paris twice. The first time I went, it was only for a few days and I really did not have a chance to really see much. However, the Universe was kind and granted me another chance a few years later. This time, the trip was for a week and I planned to make the most out of it.
This trip to Paris was a godsend for I had hit rock bottom in my life. Due to a variety of factors, I was at the lowest point in my life. I had just left the monastic path and it was a painful re-entry into the world. I was confused as to how and if I could still have a spiritual life and yet be in the world. I had graduated from law school a couple years prior and was having a very hard time finding work. I failed the bar exam not only once but twice.
The social circles I was in at that time condemned me for how my life was. I was not married and had no career. The fact that I had almost become a nun was of no help either. To them, I was a failure and the worst part was that I agreed with them. Happiness was definitely not my reality at that time. Yes, I was an optimistic person but my pain was strong and deep.
A week prior to my trip, my mother was talking to me about my life. She asked me that if I could do anything with my life what would I do? It hardly took me a second to answer. I told her that I would travel and write. She told me to just do that. The irony of this event is that my mother never thought I would take her seriously for that set up another painful period in my life but that is not important at this moment.
My writing at that time was not that good. I knew I had the talent for it but I also knew I would have to work really hard at perfecting it. So after talking with my mom, I headed to the library and discovered Ernest Hemingway. I had read some of his books in college but for some reason, I felt that I needed to know about his life. So I got a couple of biographies and a week later, I headed to Paris.
Paris is truly one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Every corner seems steeped in some kind of history. The minute I walked the streets, I felt at home. I figured out the metro systems quite quickly and began to explore the city. My rule with traveling is to not only see the touristic spots but to discover the local areas, too. So with my map and my books on Hemingway, I was determined to discover the creative aspect of the City of Lights.
I went to all the cafes that were mentioned in the books dealing with the Bohemian Revolution and the Lost Generation which both had Paris as their headquarters. I had the best cup of coffee at Cafe de la Paix which was where many famous writers spent their time. I lived on bread, chocolate, bottled water and coffee. You would think I would have gained weight. On the contrary, I lost weight. It was the best diet ever.
One day, I found myself at the Louvre. I saw all the famous paintings and statues. As a treat to myself, I went to the museum store to buy a little momento of this trip. Earlier in the day, I had read how Hemingway always kept a small notebook with him to document things that he saw which he thought would make for interesting stories or ideas. So with that thought in mind, I bought myself a little notebook which had the Mona Lisa on the cover.
With my new purchase, I went outside and sat on the edge of a fountain. It was a beautiful summer day. The sky was blue and the sun was shining bright. I closed my eyes just so that I could imprint the image in my mind. For in that same courtyard is where parts of the story of The Three Musketeers took place. And I wanted an eternal picture of it in my mind.
When I opened my eyes, it occurred to me that the road ahead was going to be unlike anything that I had experienced yet in my life. Have you ever had moments where you just knew what was coming? Well…that morning my intuitive abilities were activated and I felt that whatever was coming was going to change everything. I had no idea how but I knew things were going to get interesting and they definitely did.
Little did I know what fate had in store for me and in ways that I never dreamed of which would change my life forever. If you had told me that morning that I would live in India or that I would experience having no home for two months or that I would sit for the bar exam again and actually pass, I would have thought you were talking about a stranger. My imagination at that point was quite limited and that was a blessing.
The interesting thing about life is that sometimes things have to get really tough before they get really good. As Marianne Williamson has said “you cannot have the resurrection without the crucifixion”. As I sat in that courtyard, I had no clue what was ahead of me. I knew my life would get better but I had no idea what would cross my path. If I had known all the details, I think I would have been too scared to proceed.
The beauty about being a human being is that we all have the ability to know what we should do and how we should live our lives. Intuition is something that we all have. Some of us may be more in tune with it than others but we all have the potential to access that information.
Oscar Wilde wrote that to “know oneself was the beginning of a great romance”. That is so true yet how many of us truly know ourselves? I do not know about you but there were times in my past where I could not decipher what was really me or what I was told about me. It took a lot of inner work to figure out what was my truth and what was fiction.
The best thing we can do is to take the time to discover who we are without any outer influence. The answers are all within us. The people we admire and the things that we are drawn to are all indications of our true selves. So please take the time to see what speaks to you and see why it does. You will not regret it…I promise.
{ 56 comments }
Nadia,
The bread and chocolate diet! You are too funny! (and sign me up!)
I find life interesting in how there are moments that can be so defining. At those defining moments though, do we really realize what this might mean? I know for me, especially when I was younger – no, I didn’t think about what some of these moments really meant going forth – especially to think about them deeply.
In the last few years, though, I find myself much more introspective. And that has meant that I do look at the moments in life a little differently. They all have meaning, and some can feel like defining moments…even going into them. In a way, I feel like I’m at one of those right now (or, really coming into one of those). It’s exciting and comforting at the same time.
Nadia, your stories always pull me in, and bring me closer to you – and the beautiful soul of yours that shines out into the world. Today, I’m touched by how week in Paris set your life direction in ways you had previously not imagined. I find so much hope in that, for everyone, for me – in what can be – especially if we listen to our heart…
.-= Lance´s last blog ..Sunday Thought For The Day =-.
Hi Lance,
Thank you so much for all the kind words and support. I am so grateful.
Life is definitely a collection of moments, isn’t it? I mean…I think when we look back, we look back at moments that held some type of meaning for us on some level. I truly do believe that we know when something is about to change. I do think some people are more aware of that than others but I think that has to do with sensitivity. The more in tune you are with yourself and your surroundings, the more inclined you are to be aware of the winds of change. So it is all good. Life is merciful and thankfully….nothing is set in stone. We can choose how to proceed at any given moment and that is an indication of how powerful we truly are.
Namaste Nadia!
I keep returning to your blog now and then and you have always had such wonderful articles.
I could live on a diet like you had, esp chocolate!
I have had moments like you described too, when the path that was about to unfold for me did not seem likely, or relate to the experiences I had earlier. When I was younger, that uncertainty of how things were going used make me nervous or very upset and I would brood a lot on them. Nowadays, I have experienced a couple of those uncertainties and am more comfortable with not knowing exactly what is coming my way. Intuition tells me “things will work out; meanwhile you have a bumpy ride for a while, fasten your seat-belt and enjoy the ride and the road!”
Have a wonderful Sunday!
Hi Lotus,
Thank you so much for reading my blog and the support. I am grateful.
I also appreciate you sharing your experience with uncertainty. Nothing in life is certain except that we will all leave here at some point. The key is to make the most out of our journey. The Universe is compassionate and does give us signs along the way. The problem is that many people are too consumed with themselves that they do not see the signs.
However, I think we all have had moments where we just knew how things were going to work out. I know many people who will look down on intuition but they all have stories of how intuition guided them in the right direction. So there is definitely a way for all of us to be aware of our journey and what lies ahead. We just have to silence our minds and really listen to our hearts.
Thanks for the wonderful and inspiring story.
Yes, I’ve had moments like that when I knew my life would change, but not exactly how.
And it’s often centered around a book, as you describe above.
For example, I never imagined I would be become a Yoga writer until I read Stephen Cope’s “In Quest of the True Self”. The title says it all!
Bob Weisenberg
http://YogadDemystified.com
Hi Bob,
You are welcome and thank you for letting me know about how Cope’s book changed your life around. I love stories like that. Hope all is awesome!
Hi Nadia .. diets at times of near-zero cash .. chips and hot fruitjuice/gluvein in the mountains skiing for a fortnight … an apple a day studying in Oxford (not at the University!). Paris is a magical city and like you I need to go back and take a stroll gently through it – I’ve been a few times, but never really taken it in.
I’m amazed that you were able to say to your mother – write and travel – so often when we’re young we have dreams, but no definites .. good for you that you’re finally pursuing these dreams – your writing is lovely and we can ‘feel you’ and ‘know you’ from your posts – and now the quest is out there – I’m sure enlightenment isn’t far away and all will be well.
The advantage today is that we can be on one road and another opens the door, we just need to be on the road and you are and success as a writer will be forthcoming ..
Have a great day – Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters Inspirational Stories
.-= Hilary´s last blog ..A is for Apple – an Apple a day keeps the doctor away … =-.
Hi Hilary,
There is something magical about Europe. I don’t know if it is the history or the air or what…but that part of the world somehow just is full of creative inspiration. I have spent much time in London and it had a similar effect as Paris. The difference with Paris is that it felt so familiar. London was a joy too but it was a joy from a different angle. I do not know how to explain it. By the way, the diet in London was tea and scones or crumpets. I truly do miss Marks & Spencer at times. Such a great store.
And thank you so much for all your support and for all the wonderful things you wrote. May it go from your mouth to God’s ears…if He has ears!
Awesome post, Nadia!!
.-= Positively Present´s last blog ..words to live by: this is gonna be a good life =-.
Hi Dani,
Thank you so much! Hope all is awesome.
Hey, Nadia! I love this post. I’m hung up on the idea of figuring out what is my truth and what is my fiction. I’m at a loss for words to express all that’s running around in my head, but I wanted you to know I was here, visiting with you today, benefiting from your wisdom.
Have a beautiful Sunday!
.-= Lisis´s last blog ..Inspiration from Marcel Murrell (1916 – 2009) =-.
Hi Lisis,
Thank you so much for letting me know. I think we all at one point or another deal with what is our truth and what is our fiction. So you are not alone. It is awesome that you are aware that it is going on. So you are ahead of the crowd and I have no doubt you will figure it all out. And as you know, I am always here for you if you need me.
The journey turns and suddenly there is darkness and suddenly there is light.
The road turns and we are together, and we are apart.
They say it is all One, but it is lonely now, where I am.
There are words and there is light, yet there is also emptiness and the knowledge that we don’t know what else will come into sight.
This is a journey and this is where we are. Thats all there is and the knowledge that people have been here before and emerged ..
Emerged to smile .
God bless
Hi Uzma,
What a beautiful poem. Thank you for sharing it with all of us.
Despite all my difficulties in my life, I have alway known that things would somehow work for the best. Hope and optimism is what always has kept me going…no matter how bad things were. So that was a huge blessing for me. That said, there are no mistakes in life and things happen for reasons that we may never know. The key is to remember that in the end it is all good. For blessings are often in disguise. It is up to us whether we see beauty or misery. So we just have to chose wisely and not lament our journey.
What a great story – I was there in Paris with you the whole time I read this post.
When I’ve gone on meditation retreat, I’ve had chances to glimpse myself without any external distractions and it’s so interesting. The retreats I’ve been on don’t allow for speaking or eye contact, so each yogi is truly there to be with their own thoughts. No one knows my story except me, and I get to investigate that story and see what is authentically me, and what I’ve taken on through outer conditioning.
Every day I feel like I know a little more of myself, but there are times when I slip back into label-mode, or “should” mode, and have to once again peel layers off to expose who I am at my core. What a process! The more I read great blogs like yours, though, the safer I feel getting down to that core, and letting the real me shine through.
Thank you for another great post!
.-= Megan “JoyGirl!” Bord´s last blog ..The Ultimate Unknown =-.
Hi Megan,
I think that it is awesome that you are so aware of what is going on. That is a huge thing. Life is all a process so don’t be hard on yourself. We all are works in progress. If we were perfect, we would not be here. We just have to do our best and be at peace with how we are living and being. As long as your conscience is clear, then things are good. We all have had labels imposed on us or ideas that we have for reasons unknown. The key is to see that and to do what we can to discover our inherent truth. Easier said than done but it is doable.
And when you allow yourself to shine as you truly are…then there is no need to fear. People who will not like it, may go away but that is okay since you do not need such conditional people in your life. And those that truly love you, will be happy to see you shine and allow you to shine even more. So it is easier than it may seem. You just have to take a first step and you know, I will be one of those people cheering you on!
Your post, as usual, has had a major, positive impact on me. I really get where you are coming from. You should publish a memoir of your search for your true self. I know I would buy it!! I relate to your story and it inspires me to continue to search for my true path. I think that I came upon your blog right when I needed it in my life, and, just so you know, it has really helped me stay true to my search for spiritual enlightenment and for my true self. It has also helped me stay positive and keep faith in the universe.
.-= lena´s last blog ..My Favorite "Awareness" Blogs =-.
Hi Lena,
You are so kind. Thank you so much for all that you wrote. I am so touched. I am happy that you can relate to what I wrote and that it brings some comfort. I am so humbled. I just write what my heart tells me to write and to receive such feedback is amazing on so many levels. You all help me too and I seriously mean that.
And I have no doubt that you will find your spiritual enligtenment. The fact that you want it so much, it will come to you. Just do the work that is needed and listen to your heart. I am always here if you need someone to talk to or share notes or whatever. We are all in this boat together!
Hemingway is one of my very favorite authors. I need to throw some more Hemingway books on my Amazon wish list. I started with “The Old Man and the Sea,” and it was such a great introduction to his work. At the time, I hadn’t yet rediscovered my love of reading, so it was nice to start with a short powerful book. We also had the opportunity to tour the Hemingway house in Key West during our last trip down there. It was very cool to be in the home of such a great author.
I like these stories of your journeys, I hope there are more to come!
.-= Eric | Eden Journal´s last blog ..WIN a $25 Amazon Gift Card! 5 Weeks of Contests, 5 Chances to WIN =-.
Hi Eric,
It is always great to know of another Hemingway fan. Have you read “A Movable Feast”? It is about his time in Paris and is one of my favorite books. As is ”
The Sun Also Rises”. As for the house in Key West, I would love to see it again. When I went, I was a kid and never really understood the big deal. Now it would be a totally different experience.
Thank you so much for saying that you like my stories. It is my hope to have much more of them.
Hi Nadia,
This is another great post–it felt like a relaxing getaway. I am so glad you took that second trip to Paris and sought out those historic places from writers you admired. I am glad you had that moment when you began to believe in yourself again. Sitting by the fountain…it almost seems like a spiritual baptism…lots of symbolism there! It was really joyful reading about your travels and reliving those moments with you.
I agree with you that we all have the answers we need right inside us. Our authentic self is always right there waiting. I have been thinking about this a lot lately. I know who I am and I have a great relationship with myself. But the white noise of day to day life crowds out my authenticity sometimes. I know for me, it is important to take those steps back, ask questions and listen for the answers, check in. It’s like a precious stone that requires frequent polishing to retain its lustre.
Have a wonderful week! Jodi
.-= Jodi at Joy Discovered´s last blog ..A Gardening Tale =-.
Hi Jodi,
Good for you for having a great relationship with yourself. What a blessing! I think everyone struggles with the idea of being authentic when surrounded by people who may not fully understand it or challenge it. We all want to be like and to be approved of but sometimes we just need to be true to who we are. I think that is why the inner voice is so powerful for it knows the truth and it will always guide you in the right direction. Your imagery of a precious stone that is requires frequent polishing is just perfect!
And thank you for saying that my post felt like a relaxing getaway. Anytime I remember Paris, I just think of that day at the fountain. It is etched in my memory forever.
Your life story is quite remarkable, Nadia. It’s funny how so much of our lives are out of our control and is indefatigably determined by chance, fate, attraction, or whatever people want to call it.
.-= Tim´s last blog ..How to Benefit From Adversity and Defeat =-.
Hi Tim,
Thank you so much. Life has a timing all of its own. We just need to just go with the flow and trust in the process.
this post is hardcore
Hi Florin,
Thank you so much. Hope all is awesome!
Dear Nadia
The words of the poem just came as I read your post.
So true to say that one must not lament . Thank u for that reminder.
Life’s mysterious unfolding is amazing and humbling me. I do hope that I am imbibe some of the positive spirit from u. Everything will work out for the best.
Love
Hi Uzma,
Everything always works out for the best…even if it may not feel or look like it will. There are many things in my past that I so much wanted and did not get. Looking back at it, I am grateful that it worked out that way. The best thing is to just trust and listen to what your inner voice says. And to give your all to the moment. The past is gone and the future is not a guarantee. All you have is now.
As for having a positive spirit, it is already inside of you but it is covered up with fear, doubt and so on. Lots of love to you too!
Hi Nadia.
The trouble with living life differently is that you cannot plan in the old way and that makes us vulnerable when we are at crossroads, as you so well illustrated. What to choose, waht to do?
In the new way you have to go with the flow and your feelings which is still confusing for us as that is so unusual and so totally against how the world still operates these days and how we were taught.
I took the decision to migrate from Europe full of old buildings and old history to a young country full of nature on a whim. I saw a photo I liked and there was NO mental logic as to why I should move. But I did, there was no stopping me. I never meditated or had any inkling that I ever would live here but that is how life goes.
I still operate that way, I get an urge from reading something or a photo and I have no idea how the idea formulates in my head but it does and then things happen.
That is weird and hard to explain to people who live in the old way, I do no longer try to explain but I can share it with people like you and your friends here on this blog.
So now I am learning to go with the flow, no longer wondering the why or the how and trusting more and more my intuition.
That still leaves me fearful at times, it sure does and then I work hard to get over it.
For me a support network is important, I need to feel that I am not alone even if I have John. If I think I am alone, I do get fearful.
So Nadia, although we are not physical there for each other, we are are not alone and by knowing that we can go within as we feel safe and we can ultimately stay on our own chosen path.
We read the old man and the sea as a class project, that totally killed Hemingway for me. It is probably time to reconsider
Hugs Wilma.
.-= Wilma Ham´s last blog ..Ann-Marie on Answering questions truthfully =-.
Hi Wilma,
Good for you for taking the leap and moving to a new country based on what you saw in a photo! That is awesome. I operate in a similar manner. I usually go with what feels right and things have always worked out in the end. You are right, it is an unusual way to live since many people do not believe that is how things should be done.
When we made the decision to go live in India, people were so amazed and asked why. We would just tell them that it felt right and that we just needed to get away from the routine. People thought we were crazy and looking back at it, I think no one fully comprehended what we were doing. It was one of the best decisions ever and I have no regrets about it.
As for the fear, I think that is something we all struggle with and when we feel alone, we struggle with it more. However, fear is only powerful if we give it that power. Of course, this is easier said than done but doable.
And yes, we are not alone….that is for sure. And yay for reconsidering Hemingway!
Hugs back!
Wow, Nadia another awesome post! Your description of hitting rock bottom hits home with me…it is something I’ve felt several times in my life. And yet, through all of it, we all have the opportunity to bounce back and sour higher than ever. It is unfortunate, but I have seen people handle adversity poorly and let it define them. I really enjoyed your story of traveling to Paris…it reminds me of my favorite Hemingway book, The Sun Also Rises. I need to get there some day and use some of the French that I learned in college…while I hang out at cafes and the Louvre.
As far as having moments of intuition, I have had a few. Thankfully, I’m getting more intuitive as I get older. I really like your advice at the end where you say, “The best thing we can do is to take the time to discover who we are without any outer influence.” Very profound. Have a great weekend!
.-= Tim´s last blog ..Weekend Musical Diversion: Cy Curnin =-.
Hi Tim,
Thank you for the positive feedback. I think we all hit rock bottom at one point or another….and may do it more than once too. There in lies the beauty of life. For sometimes you have to hit the bottom in order to start to rise. However, as you mentioned, some people handle adversity poorly and let it define them. To be candid, I did that in my teens up until I was 21…it is a long story which I plan to write about but let me just say, I used to define myself by my pain. Not a very wise thing to do but it was all that I knew how to do.
You are also right about intuition, we get better at it as we grow. I have noticed the same thing too. Kind of cool. And may you get to go to Paris. It truly is a beautiful city. I think it would be so awesome to go back in time and experience that city at the height of the Bohemian Revolution or the Lost Generation. That would be so amazing. A girl can dream!
Hi Nadia!
I love reading your exquisite writing of all the many adventures you’ve had on your path! Especially when they involve chocolate! Who knew? Thank you so much for sharing your travels, and your truths – you are awesome , lady!
.-= suzen´s last blog ..One – A Hopi Prayer and Bono – Awesome Combo! =-.
Hi SuZen,
Aaawww…you are so kind. Well….as for being awesome….it takes one to know one. So you are awesome too! People are just mirrors for one another!
Hi Nadia,
I have to say that, over the many months of reading your blog, I’ve come to notice two things especially when I come here:
1) I always need to read it at least twice to make sure I didn’t miss anything – they are so packed full of introspection and lovely observations.
2) I love seeing the faces of all your commenters, most of whom happened to now be friends of mine (and you, too!).
About your post, this brought back so many memories for me and experiences for me, too. I lived in Europe for a couple of years, and got to Paris a couple of times. I just love it.
Later in life, I had my own massage therapy practice – after training to be a scientist for a decade – and I was afraid to tell my mother about it. I was 32 at the time, but I thought she’d be horribly disappointed. I remember being 16 and telling her I wanted to be a massage therapist, believe it or not, and I’m sure she didn’t mean to derail me, but she said something to the effect of it not being a very good job and I should use my mind and not my hands.
Fast forward to me being 32 – I eventually told her and she said, “I know honey, I figured it out, why didn’t you tell me? It sounds like it makes you happy and of course I’m proud of you.”
I had no idea, but it sure made me think deeply about how I make (and made) decisions.
Sorry for writing a small post in your post, Nadia. I’m no longer doing massage therapy because if my MS, but I loved that career and it’s amazing how we hold ourselves back from our true loves for so many reasons that simply aren’t important.
Thanks for this post and thanks for being you!
.-= Lori´s last blog ..Front Porch: Not A Typical Day in the Park =-.
Hi Lori,
You (or anybody else) never have to apologize for leaving a long comment! I am just happy that you feel comfortable enough to share your thoughts. So no worries at all!
That is so cool how you knew you wanted to be a massage therapist when you were 16. It was meant to be and even though it happened 16 years later, it happened. That is so beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing that with me and everyone else. I truly think we do know what we would love to do but some of us get derailed. I also think it is wonderful that your mother said what she said. That was really nice.
And thank you for being you!
Nadia,
Beautiful. I would love to visit Paris and I will one day. Your stories are so encouraging and always leave me heartened.
When I sail solo and have a few days alone at the islands, or when I hike solo and “lose myself” for the day I know exactly who I am and what I stand for without external influences. A rare treat on many levels. I knew when I got my boat that my life would change in huge ways–I could not have comprehended just how drastically, and how a complete overhaul on the boat would then correlate to a complete overhaul in my life. A simple little dream has evolved into a journey so beautiful and amazing it is a blessing to be in it:) I know exactly what speaks to me, I just have to learn to focus on listening to my inner voice and following my path even when it veers away from the one people around me are on or feel I should be on.
My next boat project is varnishing–has intimidated me for many reasons. I can almost imagine how “scraping off the old” to paint on the new will affect my life……
Hi Joy,
Thank you so much for what you wrote about my writing. I am so touched and please know that I think what you are doing is awesome. To have the courage to get a boat and let alone sail alone on a boat is truly extraordinary. Plus, to be aware of how your life was effected by getting the boat is just awesome. You had a dream and you made it happen. You should be very proud of yourself and I am so grateful that our paths have crossed. Because all of our stories give us hope and inspiration to do what we feel called to do.
As for the varnishing…you are right…that does sound like a spiritual experience. It is like pulling off labels and discovering what is really at the core. I am sure that this will take your journey to a higher level which is definitely a good thing.
Thanks for sharing… I enjoy how openness and sense of truth in your writing.
Great quote…
“you cannot have the resurrection without the crucifixion”
Peace
Jonathan
.-= Jonathan | EnlightenYourDay.com´s last blog ..Inspiring FNL Speech =-.
Hi Jonathan,
You are welcome and thank you for the kind words about my writing. Hope all is awesome with you!
“It is strange but true, for truth is stranger than any fiction.” -Lord Byron.
Nadia, -Welcome back on your path as a writer. I hope you don’t feel too busy not to pray!
I was reflecting on ’Hemingway’,when it struck me that it strongly correlates with success and going beyond business and work, so I thought that asking a few questions wouldn’t hurt.
-What do you loose when you are permanently busy?
-What would you do if you were,n that busy?
-What did your business /work help you to avoid?
-What is your business/ work defending against?
-How could you become less busy and more successful?
-What good /interesting things could happen if you decided to give up some permanent work/ business?(The more time you devote to this question, the more valuable answers it will give you).
When was the last time you thought deeply about what you really value? As a tip, please reflect upon the following success intelligence values :
-What do I really value about my life?
-What do you really value about your work?; and,
-What do I really value about my relationships?
Write your values so that you can refer to them regularly for guidance and inspiration.Reflect on how you can use your time wisely in work and life and be of more value.
Hi Mike,
Lord Byron is another of my favorites. Here was a guy who had a club foot and yet somehow managed to have many women fall in love with him. For those that do not know, he is the writer who created “Don Juan”. He also wrote many other great pieces but his personal life was far more fascinating…at least to me it was.
Thank you for all the questions. A lot of them I have already asked myself. I am fortunate in that I know what it is that I want to do…that is easy. It is just finding a way to make it happen so that I do not need to work at a job just so that I can pay the bills. I have been writing for nineteen years and the creative path is not like any other career. If someone wants to be a banker, there is a straight route for that career and it is guaranteed to happen. The creative path is not so structured and so the challenges are a bit different. However, that said, I know that all will fall into place.
What a journey we are all on. I never thought that I would be married, a kid, a side business and realize that I love them so so much.
I like how you look at your journey as a spiritual journey because that’s really what we are all on. I know that I’m trying to discover who I am, so I can make decisions that empower me and make me happy. Sometime I don’t always do that, but that’s ok. I’m trying my best.
Thanks you for the questions on my blog. It should have been addressed in the blog post.
.-= Karl Staib – Work Happy Now´s last blog ..The Secrets to Workplace Leadership =-.
Hi Karl,
I think we are all doing our best…it may not look like at it at times but I truly think we all do what we think is right at any given moment. It is wonderful that you love the way your life turned out. Yay!
And you are welcome for that question that I asked. The more I think about careers and such, the more I am starting to realize how important it is if we love what we are doing. Just my two cents.
My awakening was not through spirituality, though I see that it provides a great framework for many.
Traveling is wonderful. My best travels have been in India, aimlessly traveling on local trains and buses and rikshas. Even an elephant. Perhaps a camel and bullocks next!
“The best thing we can do is to take the time to discover who we are without any outer influence.” This is it. When we let go of everything we believe and know, fear comes up, and wen we can let go of fear, Truth is right here, where it’s always been, inside.
Another great article…thanks!
.-= Kaushik´s last blog ..You don’t need no F-thing =-.
Hi Kaushik,
I have been fortunate to have been able to travel the world but I have to admit, traveling in India was unlike any other country. Things are just somehow different there which just adds to the beauty of it. Talking of camels, I remembering wandering in Agra and seeing a camel lying down under a tree. I had seen camels before but this time I was up close to it and I was amazed at big their lips are. The great thing about animals in India they are not surprised to see people. So it is like a mutual admiration.
And yes, the truth has always been and will always be inside!
Great post Nadia! Reading your post made me think of the book, “Eat, Pray, Love”…have you read it? In any case, my desire is to one day visit Italy, but Paris sounds awesome as well. Speaking of Hemingway, I actually visited his house in Key West and it was really cool…esp. the six toed cats!
Cheers
Dayne
.-= Dayne | TheHappySelf.com´s last blog ..The 5 Most Beautiful Things In Life That Are Invisible =-.
Hi Dayne,
Yes, I have read “Eat, Pray, Love”. I actually read it three times. As you can see, I just love that book. I have not been to Italy but I do hear it is beautiful. I would love to visit it too. May that wish of ours come true!
And as for Hemingway’s house, I went when I was a kid and do not remember a thing. I have to head back down there and cool on the six toed cats. Who knew!
Yes, the French women eat all that yummy “fattening” stuff and remain quite thin. I have only spent a couple days in Paris and look forward to returning for at least a week with my family and spending it as you did.
3rd time for you on the bar was the charm, 3rd time for me on my driver’s road test was the charm. Things unfold when we are ready.
The thing that forever changed my life and I knew it at the time was when I first held my husband’s hand, 19.5 years ago.
Beautiful post, Nadia. I love how your prose just flows easily like a gentle stream.
.-= Jannie Funster´s last blog ..3 Photos I Took 3 days Ago & 3 Photos I Took 5 years Ago =-.
Hi Jannie,
You are so right. Things unfold when we are ready. So much of life is truly about timing.
As for what you wrote about your husband, that is so sweet. Isn’t love just wonderful? Congratulations on being with someone who makes you feel the way that you do!
And thank you for what you said about my writing. You made my afternoon!
Oh Sweet Nadia,
I can actually be at a loss of words…..this might be one of those times.
I saw every picture, every scene, every experience you were having as I read through this beautiful and flowing piece of your life. I tell you…youre a genius with words….and not only do you write beautifully…but as I read..i can literally feel at peace.
Sometimes just sometimes
Your story has inspired to no end…and I have had a few enlightening experiences from where clarity just took over. I know the feeling. Exhilarating to say the least…
Thank you so much for making me live through your beautiful words…and my god that diet bread chocolate and coffee….I have got to try it…sounds like a Heavenly diet…might actually become a raging bestseller. “the simplest most tasty diet ever” ……
Lots of love and Big HUgs,
Z
.-= Zeenat{Positive Provocations}´s last blog ..Multiple Personality By Choice! =-.
Hi Zeenat,
Thank you so much for all the kind words about my writing. It took many years to get to this point and I am sure with time, it will even get better. And I agree with you about the diet…wouldn’t that be an awesome way to lose weight!
Lots of love and big hugs right back at you!
I really like that you worked at your talent to perfect your writing. I think it is one of your super skills and it’s great to see you grow it. You always have a way with words.
> The best thing we can do is to take the time to discover who we are without any outer influence.
Nicely put.
.-= J.D. Meier´s last blog ..Balance Connection and Conviction to Reduce Anxiety and Lead Effectively =-.
Hi JD,
Thank you so much for the compliments about my writing. As I said in my reply to Zeenat, it took many years to be able to write the way that I do now. Practice makes perfect and it is my hope that as time goes by, I even get better. There is always room for improvement. At least, that is what I believe.
I really enjoy your posts. I almost always get drawn in by your narration of what happened.
I am going to give a break on commenting about the spiritual portion because reading your posts made me remember about Paris. I was there with my university friends. I remembered that the air smelled of romance (I wasn’t attached then) and pastries. Paris was expensive for students and I ate mostly bread. I didn’t even have chocolates! I know I will be back there some day! Counting down!
.-= Evelyn Lim´s last blog ..How To Restore Inner Harmony =-.
Hi Evelyn,
You are right, the air in Paris does smell of love and pastries. I was not attached when I was there and each location looked out of scene from a romantic movie or book. It truly is a beautiful city. I often think I would like to try living there for a month or so just to see what that would be like. As for your return to the City of Lights, may it be soon!
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