It is so disturbing to me to see the same coffee shop everywhere I turn, to find chain stores and restaurants in countries as far away as Africa. To vacation in Italy and make all the touristy stops, only to have meal after meal that has been “Americanized”. And to have the vast majority of media outlets and the people behind them claiming to stand for diversity, as long as your “diverse” beliefs match theirs, and if they don’t—watch out!
You can never truly be happy if you are constantly trying to conform, trying to fit in, attempting to be someone you’re not. Happy people are so, because they are true to themselves by pursuing and being inspired by the activities, experiences and relationships that bring them joy. Living an inspired life brings one peace, purpose and pride, the 3 main components for happiness and a meaningful, fulfilled life.
So how do you find your inspiration in a world of conformity?
Finding Your Purpose and Your Sacred Assignments
Finding your inspiration and your purpose means having the courage to do so. Your inspiration won’t necessarily be the same as your next-door neighbor or your best friend’s and it certainly isn’t something people tell you that you should want. It isn’t something that is only for certain individuals, it lies within us all and everyone can live a fulfilling, meaningful, purposeful life when they are true to their inner callings.
Your calling is not always something big and huge that you devote your life to. It shows up sometimes in the smallest of ways; compelling you to grab coffee with a friend, reach out to a neighbour, help someone who has fallen in the parking lot, or hug a complete stranger who is weeping and ask them if they’d like to talk. I call these whisperings-sacred assignments.
Your callings are what makes you feel alive. Whether it’s a dream, a hobby, a goal, or a thought, a calling is what makes you leap from bed in the morning, inspires you to keep going no matter what, it is all the things in your life that you just can’t get enough of. Sometimes they grow more profound or change, sometimes it can be a fleeting passion that introduces you to a new or different calling. They give you purpose and meaning, and breathe life into you.
There is a good chance that many people played a part in how your life would progress. Your parents, your spouse, societal norms. Perhaps your parents were teachers, lawyers or doctors and wanted you to be the same. You might even have believed that is what you truly wanted, too. At some point, you start to question your assumptions and preconceived notions about how you had long viewed your life.
Suddenly it isn’t enough and you need something more.
As women, this wanting, this desire, can flood us with guilt and shame that we are not grateful enough for what we have. That wanting something more than a healthy family and a nice home is somehow a betrayal to those we love.
But the only betrayal that is taking place sweetheart, is your betrayal to yourself for ignoring your dreams.
If you dream of being a writer there is nothing stopping you from doing it. If you dream of dancing or being an artist there is nothing stopping you from doing it. If you dream of helping a non-profit or being a motivational speaker there is nothing stopping you from doing it.
Consider these ideas to help you uncover your inspiration.
Your Exquisite Strengths, Gifts, and Talents
Your Relationship with Pleasure
Embracing Your Dreams
Being inspired is about changing awareness of yourself as being limited, having no luck, things never working out, etc. into realizing that you are unlimited and have the potential to create whatever you truly desire if it is in alignment with your Spirit within. Have a knowing that you can create and attract to yourself anything you need to fulfill your desires. `
The truth is that you are the author of your life and this is yours to live and to write, and this isn’t about being selfish or heartless. You are the only one who should be deciding what it looks like and it’s up to you to determine how you will be remembered, and whether you will listen to your inner, inspired voice. If you are truly living an inspired life, then you will be living a life that is true to who you want to be.