Hi, with the year coming to a close many of us are re-thinking multiple aspects of our lives. A few years ago I shared this letter from writer Elizabeth Gilbert and I am revisiting it as I think it is relevant to this conversation. I know her letter is long but it is well worth reading – Elizabeth so clearly writes about something that is often discussed inside my clinic walls, the challenge of finding happiness and living on purpose as we deal with the reality of needing to earn an income. As we pull apart the meaning behind how we create our income we can shed light on this subject. 
Some of us have hobbies, some jobs, some careers and some vocations, much of which overlap or transfigure into something else at different stages of our lives. I agree with Elizabeth that understanding the boundaries of these can be very insightful as we consider what steps we may choose to take next in our lives. For me, my practice started as a mission to help my kids – so it was a vocation. I had a job that provided for my day-to-day. I always felt ‘the call from God’ that Elizabeth speaks of and followed the breadcrumbs, then I recognised when it was time for it to become my career instead and let go of the job.
It remains both my vocation and my career, therefore I must accept the business and marketing hustle and bustle of any career as a necessary part. But by focusing on the vocational aspect of it and the love and honour I feel for my work and my clients, I have been able to provide for myself joyfully without falling into the corrosive trap of career and vocation that Elizabeth mentions.
Supporting fellow practitioners started as a mission – so again, a vocation – and, while it has and does produce income, I have never been keen on pursuing the career aspect of it. Despite knowing what I ‘should” do, especially marketing-wise, I don’t feel inspired to do it with this work. Instead, it tends to move at its own pace.
I love all the beautiful souls that I have supported in their transition to an authentic soul-inspired vocational career. Seeing them provide for themselves and their families by doing what they love and without falling into the trap Elizabeth mentions makes me very happy. By understanding the difference between career and vocation, I clearly see how this part of my work remains a vocation for me and so I happily simply follow the breadcrumbs. And although I may not rely on it as I would a career, I can remain committed to it as a process and as such, will do what needs to be done to be seen by the right people.
My art is easier – it is a hobby. I absolutely have a leaning toward and love of it. And I do it no matter whether people like it or not. But I don’t think I would like to make a living out of it (career) and I don’t think (although I have certainly noticed a stronger pull towards it over the years) that I truly have the dedication of a vocation. Not like my niece who is a brilliant teacher (career) and mad keen artist (vocation). That means it comfortably sits in my life and I can continue to put pieces into exhibitions, sell the odd item, learn new things, maybe even finish setting up my artists Facebook page one day – but with no pressure.
And so over to you …. I wonder if this may be an interesting journalling process for you if you are wondering about where you sit in the various aspects of your life. It might be a nice Sunday afternoon journey. If that resonates you can read through Elizabeth’s full and eloquent article here on my blog. Then consider the areas of your life that you feel conflicted in. Areas you might be thinking you ‘should’ be making money out of. Or maybe about the job you are considering leaving. Or what making a dream a reality could mean.
Enjoy playing with these thoughts. I would love to hear how you go!
******** This was written with the intention of helping you to live your best life, I would love to hear your thoughts on this and if you think someone else would enjoy it please feel free to share it around.
if you want to know more about I can help you to identify what is important for you moving forward – in your business, personal or professional life – and help you Create The Life You Want To Live please do get in touch! ********
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