Did you know that we ALL have a calling in life?
Yep, that means you too.
Joseph Campbell said it best: "Follow your bliss and the Universe will open doors where there were only walls." What is your bliss - that unique gift that the Universe gave you at birth that you are meant to use to serve the world and make it a better place?
My bliss is art, but I didn't realize it was my life's calling until the age of 47. Art had always been a hobby throughout life. My grandmother had a china shop in her home attic in Happy, Texas, the town in which I grew up. She taught oil painting lessons to the community's ladies and allowed me to paint my own china plates as a young child. I took my first drawing class, a live model course, during my first semester in college and encountered my first naked boy, a model in the class (yes, I had a sheltered upbringing).
Then in 1998, the Universe sent me an initial call to adventure, the first step of my Heroine's Journey toward my life's calling.
I was a nonworking wife in a failing marriage who had just lost a baby I wasn't meant to conceive. The Universe offered a door of opportunity in the form of teaching a writing course at Texas Tech University. I said yes to this call, although scared to death. This led to divorce, earning a doctorate degree, and moving from Texas to Connecticut solo to begin a new life as a university professor.
Returning to painting was a purging emotional release during this tumultuous period. However it was more than a decade later that I discovered through meditation that I could use my art to inspire women to recognize their own unique Purpose in life.
This revelation led to a more profound call to adventure and second life transition. I resigned from my tenured 11-year professor position in February to delve into the unknown of following my bliss of art. I'm now teaching art workshops designed to help women identify and cultivate their True Self and life Purpose through art journaling and a Vision Canvas painting, a symbol to remind them to honor their unique calling.
Here are 5 things I've learned while traveling the road of following my bliss that can help you on your Heroine's Journey:
1. Glenda the Good Witch was right. You do have the power within you!
If you're uncertain what your unique gift is, look to your childhood. What did you love to do that made your heart sing and time fly? Even if you haven't done that activity in years, the desire is still within you. Pull it out of your soul's closet, dust it off, and give it a whirl! Those activities that give you pure joy are breadcrumb clues to your life's calling.
2. Don't let the naysayers rain on your parade.
We all have that Inner Critic and people in our lives who say, "You'll never be able to pull that off. Are you crazy?" Don't listen! Whether it's your Inner Critic, mom, spouse, or grumpy next-door neighbor, there will be people in your life who just won't understand your urge to follow your bliss. These people want you to remain small and not change so they won't have to acknowledge their own soul's calling. Surround yourself with people who recognize your gift and encourage you to spread your wings and fly!
3. Be careful what you wish for!
In 2012, I had a conversation with my mother pondering what my purpose in life was. I said that art and travel are the two things that give my heart the most joy and wondered how I could turn those into my career. Today, I'm gearing up to travel the world to offer art workshops to help women honor their calling. Just sayin'....
4. Meditation can help you tap into your intuition.
I began meditating in 2013 with Oprah and Deepak Chopra's 21-day meditation experience. In one session, Deepak asked if I could be anything in life, what would that be? "An artist" flashed into my mind like a Broadway marquee. I began weeping at the realization that the thing I've loved since childhood could be my life's calling. Meditation will help you perceive your soul's voice, lead you to your calling, and illuminate the steps to make it happen.
5. Expect miracles to occur when you say YES! to your calling.
Joseph Campbell said that he perceived "invisible hands" that began opening new doors when he agreed to follow his bliss. I've found this to be true. At just the perfect moment when I need guidance, a book, person or opportunity crosses my path. The Universe will conspire to help you when you commit to follow your calling too.
So, are you ready to say YES! to your Heroine's (or Hero's) Calling? The world is waiting for the unique gift that only you can give.
Vicki Todd, Ed.D., life coach and artist, would love to serve as your Life Purpose Guide. To learn more about her Honor Your Purpose Journey art workshops, offered in small-group and one-on-one settings, please email her at vickiworldart@gmail.com to request a free Honor Your Purpose discovery call. View Vicki's art and blog at vickiworldart.com.