Do you have a calling to make an impact in the world? Do you look at people who seem to ‘know’ what their purpose is, and think that they must have something you don’t? Do you feel like you are destined for greater things, but you have no idea what they are? Or maybe you have an idea of what they are, but you feel overwhelmed with how to get there?
I used to feel all these things, even though, gifted with an adventurous spirit, I was someone who always followed my inner callings. I recognize not everyone has that same certainty or understanding of calling; however, I believe that you have a calling, something you are drawn to. Lots of people find excuses not to follow these inner callings.
My life followed some amazing paths in my 20s and early 30s. But in my early 30s, I started to get an aching, a calling for something more. I couldn’t identify what it was, or what I was being called to. All I can say is that I felt it.
It was tempting to stay in the comfortable, safe and predictable world I had been creating. But the urge to challenge myself to do new things and get uncomfortable was a desire that was so great it forced me to take on a challenge that could easily fail. I decided to open a yoga studio. I had never run my own business, yet I had years of management experience. I had never had to invest my own money into something that I had NO idea if I would succeed. It was terrifying. On many levels I had to reckon with the parts of me that felt like I wasn’t good enough, or that I would fail and no one would like me. It was an arduous undertaking, both the external business I was creating, and the inner monsters I was battling.
For a many years I wasn’t making much money, or any at all, and I wasn’t sure if I could continue. I knew the space I was part of creating was positively impacting many lives, but I was struggling as I moved through my inner reckonings. I was trying to decide if I could sustain and actually grow the business in order to sustain my own life in healthy ways.
There has been such huge growth in my life because I choose to take this risk, because I put myself out there in the scariest way I could at the time. I had no financial blankets to comfort me if I failed. It was a raw time. Yet I knew that if I didn’t take the risk, I would spend the rest of my life feeling like I wasn’t showing up in my life.
Today, I am proud to say that I stuck with it and created a successful business. My success isn’t measured by the economics (although important to be able to pay my bills), but by how many lives I am able to impact in positive ways. Many times businesses fail, not due to lack of desire or effort, but simply because they are not viable for one reason or another. Failure is not a bad thing, it means we tried; it means we put ourselves out there, and allowed ourselves to be vulnerable. It doesn’t mean we are a failure. In my life, my failures are where I have experienced my biggest teachings, and where have moved towards greater success.
Today I continue to get uncomfortable, to dream big, and to push myself beyond my comfort zone. I am living my purpose.
What ways are you holding yourself back from getting uncomfortable? Do you have a desire to do something that inspires you but scares you, and you just have no idea how to get there?
I encourage you to follow these paths, dreams, or quiet inner callings, even if the path feels scary; if they fill you with life, they will allow you to live your purpose. Living your purpose doesn’t mean you have to be famous or make celebrated changes in the world.
Dreams are not about measuring success through becoming great, famous or rich. Following your purpose is greater than any financial or social reward. Finding your path is about feeling quality connections and offering something from your heart that is meaningful. It’s about creating a depth in yourself that is the richness. A depth within that doesn’t need ‘likes’; a depth that comes with offering something of yourself that doesn’t need anything in return.
We are faced with many decisions when we are ready to follow a new path, especially when we have to carve new trails through dense forests that seem unpassable. But let me share my motto with you:, ‘everything is figureoutable‘ – Marie Forleo.
If you feel overwhelmed with your thoughts, and you are uncertain which direction you want to go, find someone that can help you find clarity. It could be a mentor or coach, anyone who is doing things you admire in the world.
I serve people today by helping them with life decisions and building businesses. It’s a complex path that looks different for all of us. I choose to coach because I LOVE helping people step into themselves, and I LOVE being a cheerleader who supports those who want to find their path.
Trust your inner wisdoms, regardless how quiet they seem.
with love
Noelle