Have you ever had that feeling that you are right where you are supposed to be, doing exactly what you are supposed to be doing? That happened to me last month in a Zoom class on solo performing. I had the overwhelming feeling that I was right where I was supposed to be, doing exactly what I am supposed to be doing. I’ve rarely had this “click,” this same sense of complete fulfillment. In fact, I can’t remember ever having it before.
“I’ve neverhad that feeling,” a friend observed. I thought about how that person approaches life: they never leave their comfort zone.
A key factor in finding fulfillment, I think, is stepping out of the familiar and into something brand new. Exploring new territory. Forging a new path. Opening up the options. Because, as they say, you never know.
This comes easier by nature to some people than to others. But it doesn’t change the fact that if you are not fulfilled by doing what you are doing, it’s time to try something new.
For me, these past two years, that something new has been writing and performing my own work. And while Covid required us to do this via Zoom, things have now opened up and I am taking an in-person class, on stage.
That experience has only reinforced the sense of fulfillment I get from applying my writing skills and natural personality in a brand new way: at age 70. (By the way, 70 is the new 50, have you heard?) And I don’t need to hit the boards on Broadway to feel fulfilled–the work does it for me, no matter how it is seen. Or where.
Has there been a time when you’ve felt totally fulfilled? I’d love to hear about it!
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I love this. I find myself feeling bad for people who don’t like their work, and never find their soul’s calling. I’m getting ready to shift gears again at 67.
I came up with a practice in which I ask, “Is this what I should be doing?” “Is this where I should be?” I usually only remember to check in every couple of days, when I’m feeling reflective. When it’s “yes,” I guess you’re right, the warm and fuzzy sensation might be considered a feeling of fulfillment. I wonder if your “click” was a more profound extraordinary human experience than my simple answer. When it’s “no,” it’s a hard look at how to get back on track. Many years on, it’s seldom “no.” This is a down-to-earth riff on Castenada’s inspiring effort to find his “power spot” in “The Teachings of Don Juan.” By the way, I seldom comment on pictures, but this one is very beautiful!
I think everyone is different and some don’t reflect at all. I love your comparison to Don Juan’s teachings. Yes, I loved the image also when I saw it. It’s a royalty free one and very different. Thanks for commenting, James.
You are my example, Carol! Watching you perform plays written by you, well it just makes me happy. I’ve felt completely fulfilled many times, but notably when I held my first born for the first time and when I held my first publishing contract for my first published novel!
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I’ve been following this journey of yours and you’re an inspiration. Thanks, Carol.
I’m glad you are along for the ride, Pen!
I am teaching swimming again!
Covid stopped that in 2020 and 2021.
My students are a 3 year old American boy, a 27 year year old Tibetan man, and a 70 year old Chinese woman.
I have witnessed huge breakthroughs
for each in the past two weeks!
The Tibetan had never been in a bathtub, or a pool. He swam his first lap and floated yesterday!
The 70 year old woman last put her face in water in 2016. She had given up on ever being able to swim. This week she swam her first three laps!
The 3 year old was not able to do anything at all. Now he jumps in, submerges and does a decent dog paddle!
Each student is a different
and a delight to teach!
In the pool with them
I feel like a kid again!
You ARE a kid!
😎🥳🏊♀️🏊♀️🏊♀️🏊♀️💃🙏🌝
Just a few weeks till we sit on the patio and gab!
I love your wonderful, intrepid spirit. I’m not too far behind in age and never understand staying in the comfort zone either.
I guess it’s fear that keeps people there.
I love this. I find myself feeling bad for people who don’t like their work, and never find their soul’s calling. I’m getting ready to shift gears again at 67.
I’ll be interested to follow. along, Shari!
I came up with a practice in which I ask, “Is this what I should be doing?” “Is this where I should be?” I usually only remember to check in every couple of days, when I’m feeling reflective. When it’s “yes,” I guess you’re right, the warm and fuzzy sensation might be considered a feeling of fulfillment. I wonder if your “click” was a more profound extraordinary human experience than my simple answer. When it’s “no,” it’s a hard look at how to get back on track. Many years on, it’s seldom “no.” This is a down-to-earth riff on Castenada’s inspiring effort to find his “power spot” in “The Teachings of Don Juan.” By the way, I seldom comment on pictures, but this one is very beautiful!
I think everyone is different and some don’t reflect at all. I love your comparison to Don Juan’s teachings. Yes, I loved the image also when I saw it. It’s a royalty free one and very different. Thanks for commenting, James.
You are my example, Carol! Watching you perform plays written by you, well it just makes me happy. I’ve felt completely fulfilled many times, but notably when I held my first born for the first time and when I held my first publishing contract for my first published novel!
Yes, that baby thing is the gold standard, for sure, Diane!