Yogaglamgirl on Pursuit of Passion: Creating Fulfilling Careers

One of Cupcakes and Yoga's posts inspired me to talk a little about career and the passion behind the work that we do.
I think that ever since I graduated from college I've been frustrated with my job and choice of career. I never felt that it fulfilled me or fit my "higher purpose" in life (whatever that may be...more on that in a minute...). I've been constantly seeking, constantly hoping that my next job would be more fulfilling, I would feel more passionate about it.
I've been chided by many of my peers (most of them Gen"X") for being "too GenY" in my thinking...GenX's and my parents (boomers) generation never considered life purpose in their career choices. My mother always told me: "When I grew up, I could be a nurse, a secretary or a teacher. I never considered there were any other options. So I became a teacher."
Sometimes there is a lot of relief that comes with not having a choice. I think that this perspective is similar to how I felt about wearing a school uniform or having strict rules to follow as a child. I didn't have to freak out daily over what to wear in 1st grade. I could wear my navy culottes or pants, but that was it. I didn't waste time on it..I just put them on.
Even though my Mom became an incredible teacher, many other women in my mom's generation swam upstream and fought hard to open doors so that I (a borderline GenX, GenY'er) have full freedom to choose what I want to do to earn a living in my lifetime. They also literally worked their *&#sses off so that women of my generation could have a choice. Many of them did (and still do) work two full time jobs--their "day job" and their 6pm-9am job of raising a family. Many of them gave up having family altogether because their dreams and passion and drive filled their entire world.
So what's the problem?
Well, there isn't a problem really. For me, it's just a matter of being concious of the fact that I have a choice. My choice is a responsibility. I feel like I have to do something of purpose.
The good news, is that I've been developing my vision around this choice. My own growth and healing over the past 5 years has given me time to learn about yoga, bodywork, zen (and zazen), nature as teacher, fellow women as healers and just a deeper awareness about myself. I have begun to tune in to the fact that "my job" is to be a tool of the universe and to serve others on their respective paths of healing.
There is a fear for me of diving in to this unknown. But I must start diving in. The past few days I've been plugged in to Eminem's rhythm and rhyme .."you better lose yourself in the music...you only get one shot...do not miss your chance....this opportunity comes once in a lifetime..." and then I say Screw it. I'm ready.
Here we go....

Comments

[Regina Clare Jane]

Go, girl. Just do it.
Daddy said to me before he died, "Don't wait too long..."- I don't know why he said that to me, but I know I was stuck in a huge rut, going nowhere. He was telling me to get on with it- and I have been trying to do that, putting myself out there, manifesting what I want by talking about it- to everybody. I want people to know I am a bodyworker- I connect with people in very intimate ways- and it not only serves them but it helps me.
We do have a higher purpose- what that is for each of us we have to find out. But it sounds to me as if you know already, Becky- you're ready, I can feel it, I can read it in your words.
Take a breath- and just do it...

BTW- love Cupcakes and Yoga!

[Becky]

You are a gem Regina. Thank you for reading and for continually being such a source of support and inspiration!

[rubyslippers]

AMEN!! I feel like your long lost career-twin! I love when you say, "I have begun to tune in to the fact that 'my job' is to be a tool of the universe and to serve others on their respective paths of healing." I really get this and commend you for your courage to step into the unknown. I think for many of us who feel a higher sense of purpose, there is no job-description that exists for us--we are being called to express our unique talents and gifts to the world...You go Yogaglamgirl!!

[Marilyn]

I swear this appears to be an ongoing theme that keeps popping up everywhere I turn. Must be a sign! :)

[Maryam in Marrakesh]

Wow. Your job sounds just so amazing and centered!