It is important to take the time to understand the things that are really of value to you. Stop and think a moment before you answer the following questions. I utilize these questions frequently in my life, especially during the times when I feel unbalanced. You may be surprised at some of your answers.
1. Do you feel that you are a success at what you do?
2. Do you feel fulfilled?
3. Are you happy?
4. Do you love what you do for a living?
5. Do you love your career or job?
6. Are you one of those people who go around smiling all the time, always in a good mood, and always have great and interesting things going on in your life?
If you can say yes to all of these questions, you are obviously a person who has figured out what it is you love to do and made it your life’s work. This not only makes you a success, but gives you fulfillment.
Most people define success as having the material things you want to have, or at least the ability (money) to get these things if you want them. The cars, houses, great paying job - all those things are common measurements of success; however, success is a subjective term, and is based on your own opinion. Notice, I did say your opinion, not the opinion of others.
Fulfillment is another subjective term, based on each person’s opinion. I feel that fulfillment and happiness are synonyms. Happiness and fulfillment are not the result of having things; they are the result of an inner contentment. I found a wonderful quote and it goes like this: ‘The happiest people are those who discover that what they should be doing and what they are doing are the same things.’
The sad thing is that too many people are trapped doing what they have to do instead of what they want to do, and what’s worse is that they don’t know how to change it. Life is way too short to spend time doing something that prevents us from growing, and that doesn’t bring us a lot of fulfillment. When we’re unfulfilled, we try to fill this void with other things. Could this be the cause of many addictions? It’s certainly the cause of much unhappiness.
If you are one of those unhappy people and need some guidance, here is a great exercise from Kathy Ryndak and Gord Riddell at www.transformationalarts.com.
on how to tap into your passions.
Identify your passions: It’s important to recognize that unless we identify our passions, planning a vision or goal to work towards will be difficult to attain. The following questions will assist you in identifying some of your passions, both current and past. Refer to this list any time you lose sight of what you are passionate about.
1. What were your childhood dreams or interests?
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2. List all the things that make you feel excited, energized, and creative.
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3. Go over your list and think over what you wrote. What are some of the ways you might experience the things that excite you?
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4. What things from this list are in your life today?
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5. From your list, what would you most like to see happen in your life?
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If your work isn’t meaningful, do something that is. I don’t mean quit your job, but think for a while about what it is you love to do, then start brainstorming and looking for ways to make money doing what you love. Experiment with new and different things! Step out of your comfort zone once in a while, because being too comfortable doesn’t allow you to grow.
If you tend to be a negative thinker, change that! The negative person comes from a place of scarcity and always believes there’s never enough to go around - that they’re never getting their fair share. The negative person is afraid of change.
The positive person comes from a place of abundance. That person’s cup is not ‘half-empty’, it is ‘half-full’. The positive person believes there is more out there than one person could ever possibly have; certainly more than enough to go around. The positive person has a hopeful attitude about life and is open to change. Is that you? It could be!
Extend this to the individuals in our lives. Our relationships tell a lot about us as well. Do you surround yourself with positive or negative people? Try to take an honest look at every aspect of your life, and don’t be afraid to make some changes. Life is meant to be happy, healthy, and adventurous. Strive for fulfillment and you will be a success!
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Nancy
Desjardins is a nutritionist specializing in the development of
wellness programs tailored to suit personal health concerns. Her
individualized approach focuses on detoxifying, rejuvenating, and
revitalizing the body. www.womenshealthacademy.com
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