Fresh Thoughts for Your Monday: The Call of the Heart

We all have seasons in our lives—not the seasons of the year necessarily, but those times when we can feel that a shift is happening, a change is needed and a time of newness is calling to us.

We would be wise to listen to those nudges. Is it time for you to consider new experiences, new places, new insights, new people, new opportunities?

As summer gives way to autumn, in what direction is your heart calling you?

Even a slight change can reinvigorate your life.

Today, this week: Listen carefully to the call of your heart.

Following Your Call

Last Sunday, our pastor spoke about following your call.  Using the Swiss Army Knife as metaphor, she spoke about the need to listen to the call and to heed it, even when it doesn't follow what we had intended or planned for our lives.  Her words made me think of the twists and turns that have come into my life and how often I thought I knew where the path was taking me, only to find that it wasn't where I was supposed to be at all. Such a call may not be about a career path, choice of life partner or city in which to live.  It might be as simple (and sometimes, difficult) as being a source of love and light for others, bringing words of hope to the lives of others during ordinary and extraordinary days.  The more I stop what I'm doing, quiet my mind and listen deeply, the more I hear the true words for my calling.  Then, and only then, do I know the path to follow.

Do What You Love

I read a great online article by Deepak Chopra, MD about the importance of following one's bliss and I immediately thought of my husband Larry.  A few years ago, he left a position he had held for over 17 years to embark on a new journey where the risks and rewards fell solely on his shoulders.  He has steadfastly worked seven days a week on his new venture, riding the rollercoaster of self-employment, especially during The Great Recession.  Regardless of the difficulties and occasional setbacks, he looked me squarely in the eye the other day and said that he wouldn't quit his venture for anything.  He is truly passionate about it and is doing what he loves.  For some, doing what one loves can be a vocation or avocation.  For Larry, I believe he's combined them both into a state of bliss.  Who could ask for more?