You may be moved in a direction You do not understand, Away from the safe, the familiar, Toward a vision that is blurry, Yet still pounds against The doors of your dreams…
-Susan Rogers Norton
Have you ever felt like this? Does it seem familiar?
Is it happening to you now?
That pounding on the door may very well be your destiny.
If you’ve got a calling, it doesn’t matter how old you are or what you’ve done before. It only matters that you recognize that it’s a knock that means business.
And you need to mean business back. Which means you need to find a way to do what you are called to do.
It might not be what you think it is. Let me say that again: It might not be what you always thought it would be. It might be something entirely different.
It’s not a wish and a promise. It’s stronger than that.
It’s not a fantasy. It’s more powerful than that.
Don’t think that’s something that will just appear. It can, but probably won’t. It’s going to take some work.
It might take consideration. It may take study. It might take time–it might not happen overnight.
You might have some false starts. i know I have.
You might resist it. You might already have resisted it. But it’ll keep coming up.
Have you had a calling or do you have one now? What are you doing about it?
A few years ago, I quit my day job as a copy writer in what was the most insipid and uninspiring workplaces I’d ever been in. I knew I needed to be somewhere that challenged me creatively. Dazzled by the promise of a much higher paycheck, I took a healthcare marketing position. It sucked. I sucked at it, too. So they fired me. And now I see that was the best thing that could’ve happened because it forced me to step out and FINALLY listen to my soul. I got an offer to manage 3 local magazines and I am blogging and writing for private clients on the side. I have the best of both worlds, and I am so grateful. Sometimes destiny speaks. Other times she acts. And in my case, she got me fired so I could find a career that really fulfills me. 🙂 Love this post!
Getting fired from my 25 year career also worked out great for me, but first it scared me to death! I am called all the time to new endeavors now. It’s just choosing the one I really want.
When i was younger that calling was very specific- to one specific idea. Once that was achieved, that was the first time I was alone in the rocky seas. And discerned the next steps to follow. But, it was not clear how/why this was related to what was the earlier drive. Now, with more than 50 years of hindsight, the common thread is clearly discernable.
Two and a half years into my retirement, I’m still searching for right fit. I love blogging, but it really takes a lot of time. I don’t want to give it up – I’ve met so many friends in the blogosphere – but I need to find the time and discipline to branch out.
Yes I know that feeling all too well, I am grateful that I have learned to let go of fear embrace change and trust that what lies ahead will be better than what I am walking away from.
XO, MJ http://www.lush-fab-glam.com
I’m trying to listen to that knock on the door that comes at 2am. That’s when I hear it the loudest. What is it? What does it mean? I’m trying to sort it out and rediscover what I’m “supposed” to be doing.
Thank you four your timely post. I’m there now, deciding what my next career will be. It’s scary and exciting. And thank you to the inspiring commenters, I feel stronger for having read your stories!
I’ve had several callings in my life, and they’ve all been so loud I couldn’t ignore them. It’s part of life’s journey, I think, being open to hearing them.
I love this. I believe in following your heart and I’ve been doing that a lot in the past few years. Its led me to wonderful opportunities and meeting inspiring people…like yourself!
So scary. So wonderful
afterward!!
But when others take the leap, it is so inspiring to the rest of us contemplating something similar! (Like my friends who start amazing companies, then challenge themselves on the stage in one-women shows!!)
[…] Even at our age, destiny can come calling: hard, insistent knocks. Yes, even now. And that’s what I’m talking about right here. And I’ve got a beautiful way to start and end each day– maybe even life-changing. Right here. […]
[…] come calling: hard, insistent knocks. Yes, even now. And that’s what I’m talking about right here. And I’ve got a beautiful way to start and end each day– maybe even life-changing. […]
Here you’ll find my blog, some of my essays, published writing, and my solo performances. There’s also a link to my Etsy shop for healing and grief tools offered through A Healing Spirit.
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I’m writing/blogging. It’s not the writing I thought I would be doing, but it feels good, it’s the right fit for me.
It’s all about the fit, for sure.
A few years ago, I quit my day job as a copy writer in what was the most insipid and uninspiring workplaces I’d ever been in. I knew I needed to be somewhere that challenged me creatively. Dazzled by the promise of a much higher paycheck, I took a healthcare marketing position. It sucked. I sucked at it, too. So they fired me. And now I see that was the best thing that could’ve happened because it forced me to step out and FINALLY listen to my soul. I got an offer to manage 3 local magazines and I am blogging and writing for private clients on the side. I have the best of both worlds, and I am so grateful. Sometimes destiny speaks. Other times she acts. And in my case, she got me fired so I could find a career that really fulfills me. 🙂 Love this post!
I love it!
Getting fired from my 25 year career also worked out great for me, but first it scared me to death! I am called all the time to new endeavors now. It’s just choosing the one I really want.
When i was younger that calling was very specific- to one specific idea. Once that was achieved, that was the first time I was alone in the rocky seas. And discerned the next steps to follow. But, it was not clear how/why this was related to what was the earlier drive. Now, with more than 50 years of hindsight, the common thread is clearly discernable.
Age tends to clear the view.
Two and a half years into my retirement, I’m still searching for right fit. I love blogging, but it really takes a lot of time. I don’t want to give it up – I’ve met so many friends in the blogosphere – but I need to find the time and discipline to branch out.
It’ll happen. Have faith!
My calling was working with children. I tried public schools, that didn’t work out. So I am actively involved in church ministries.
It’s a worthy mission!
We’ve got a big move on the cards so our destiny is knocking for sure! A bit scary but doing what we can to plan for it.
Sounds exciting to me!
What an amazing post! I loved every word of it! Cant wait to read more of your stuff!
I’m still waiting for my true calling. I’m writing blogs but this is more of a passion than my calling IMO. Lovely post!
What a great read! Destiny can be so interesting!
That’s the part Carol, being open to what comes though it might look different from what you imagined. 🙂
I loved this post.. The quote really got me thinking. I even printed this off so I could read it over and over!
Yes I’ve experienced that feeling and now I feel like I’m living my purpose.
When I was a kid, I used to plan for what the future can give to me. Everything changes but I love those changes that came to me!
Yes I know that feeling all too well, I am grateful that I have learned to let go of fear embrace change and trust that what lies ahead will be better than what I am walking away from.
XO, MJ
http://www.lush-fab-glam.com
So amazing! Thanks for sharing.
I’m trying to listen to that knock on the door that comes at 2am. That’s when I hear it the loudest. What is it? What does it mean? I’m trying to sort it out and rediscover what I’m “supposed” to be doing.
Destiny is very unpredictable, sometimes all we have to do is go to the flow. To keep our faith.
Thank you four your timely post. I’m there now, deciding what my next career will be. It’s scary and exciting. And thank you to the inspiring commenters, I feel stronger for having read your stories!
I’ve had several callings in my life, and they’ve all been so loud I couldn’t ignore them. It’s part of life’s journey, I think, being open to hearing them.
I’m hearing destiny’s call at this time in my life. I’m throwing open the door and racing toward the call!
I’m not sure if I have found my calling Carol but I keep blogging and reaching out to others. Perhaps I’m not listening?
Love this post! There is something calling for all of us. We have to listen. Looking forward to what’s on the horizon for you.
It can be scary to step out of our comfort zone, but usually turns out worthwhile. Risk = reward.
For me the calling is training, but I keep finding excuses not to do it! 🙁
I love this. I believe in following your heart and I’ve been doing that a lot in the past few years. Its led me to wonderful opportunities and meeting inspiring people…like yourself!
I seem to be always reinventing myself and not sticking with something forever. But it’s more like I evolve than escape.
So scary. So wonderful
afterward!!
But when others take the leap, it is so inspiring to the rest of us contemplating something similar! (Like my friends who start amazing companies, then challenge themselves on the stage in one-women shows!!)