In my last post I said one of my guiding mantras for the year was to continue to be true and authentic to myself and to listen to my intuition. I believe deep down we all know what is truly best for us, but with all the external stimuli vying for our attention on a daily basis, it's sometimes gets buried, confused or lost in translation. I think carving out times of stillness, when you can tune in to your inner voice, are important and essential practices for everyone. This is not something I've always done and when I don't, I usually feel the consequences. (If only I could get into meditation!)
When I said I hadn't made any grand-scale goals for the year, that was true, but I don't think it means I'm directionless, lazy or unambitious. I don't think it's entirely realistic to assert what you will do for the next 365 days. If you try something and decide it isn't for you, you should feel comfortable enough to admit that and change course. I think many people stay in things that aren't right for them (jobs, relationships, etc.) far too long because of the 'sunk cost' mindset. That is, 'I've already invested x amount of time/money/effort in this and even though it's not working, I can't back out now or I'll just lose all said time/money/effort'. I've done it before simply because I didn't think quitting was an option. I figured maybe things would get better and I'd be stupid to start over from scratch with something new. Goes great with fear of change!
I'm still trying to figure out my place in the world and what makes me feel fulfilled. I may be late to that game, but do any of us ever have this all figured out? When something doesn't feel right, I don't think you should fight it and continue on come hell or high water. This doesn't mean you're a quitter. When I worked in finance, I never really felt like I 'belonged'. My personal skills, values, worldview, etc., did not match with that industry and I often felt like if I just kept working harder, things would eventually fall into place. It took years of resistance from the Universe, starting with small hints and continually growing stronger, for me to see that who I was, wasn't going to change! There's a key for every lock and that just wasn't mine :)
So as I continue to look to the future, it's important for me to 'tune in', go with it, and not fight my true nature. But as always, when I set my mind to achieve those things I am passionate about, you can bet I will fight FOR them. I believe when you take actions that are in line with who you truly are, BIG things will happen and that is fully what I expect for 2015!
Do you ever find yourself fighting battles of what you should do vs. what feels right?
How do you tune in to your intuition?
I feel like this is a direct reflection of what I went through last spring. I truly learned to open that part of me up and go for it, but also to know when things are feeling awry, there is likely a reason that they do. I think so often we think that we have to follow the path that we have set ourselves up on. But sometimes? we just have to trust ourselves.
ReplyDeleteYes yes yes! It's a constant process for me, because I blocked out my true feelings for so long trying to live up to some sort of societal 'ideal' life. Keepin it real is where its at!!
DeleteI always feel better when I am following my heart. I am more productive and more at peace. This is so important to happiness and anxiety reduction. Great post, Jill.
ReplyDeleteThank you Kelly! I agree. We inherently know when things feel right but sometimes don't listen!
DeleteThis is a great reflection. Its hard to be self aware, but important to strive for I think. The other day I told my husband I felt fatigued, and he suggested going to bed early. I thought about it, and while yes more sleep will help, I was feeling more than just tired. Fatigued, maybe on the verge of getting sick. Taking those few minutes to self evaluate how I really felt was important to determine the best action.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, that's a minor example! Just goes along the lines of intuition and awareness of what we need, want (really want, not what we're told to want), like/dislike, etc.It's so freeing!
Thank you Larissa. I'm glad to see you are back to blogging and that you enjoyed taking some time off! I usually fail at taking downtime too, and then pay for it later. Glad you listened to yourself (and your hubby!)
DeleteSome super inspirational pieces this week, your definitely being one Jill! There are times we think we know what we want, and it turns out it wasn't the right thing for us at all. Thank you for a good piece for pondering and reflecting.
ReplyDeleteThose are such kind words Peggy, thank you so much for reading! I am glad my words spoke to you. This post was a reminder to myself as much as others. I need to remember to heed my own advice :)
DeleteI believe that quote says it...we do attract what we are ready for and it's sounds like you are ready! Inspiring post! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThank you Carolann! I'm glad my words reached you!
DeleteYes Jill, you've come so far, trust yourself!!!
ReplyDeleteYou are always my biggest fan Lesle!!! What would I do without your unwavering faith and support?!
DeleteI agree about resolutions for the year. I think it's a lot of pressure to put on ourselves! While I think it's good to have goals and intentions, I think going easy on ourselves in the new year is good too!
ReplyDeleteYes, I don't think year-long resolutions ever work. Small steps to achieve goals are more realistic, and sometimes you can't predict at the beginning of the year what the next 12 months will bring and how your mind and feelings might change!
Deleteoh, my goodness... girl, you are absolutely SPOT ON with this post. I agree. I don't think it's great to set yourself up to unrealistic expectations and to tell yourself things like, "I have to do XYZ or I will be a failure." Life is funny sometimes and it can change on a dime and I've learned that it's best to know how to roll with the tides.
ReplyDeleteGreat post!
Thank you so much for stopping by and for the encouraging words! We are often hardest on ourselves - I know I am. I need to be more forgiving of my flaws and stumbles like I am with others!
DeleteI REALLY struggle with this. I loathe my job. It is completely thankless and I get absolutely no fulfillment from it. BUT it pays well. It supports our lifestyle, and I wouldn't have had a lot of the life experiences I've had without the paycheck that shitty job provides. I just have to search for my fulfillment elsewhere.
ReplyDeleteOh Pam I'm so sorry to hear that. I think there are positive aspects to it because it gives you the means to do other things that give you pleasure. I think some people are more easily able to detach who they are from what they do. I did try to do that for many years but it my job was so incongruous with my feelings and values that eventually it took a really terrible toll and I knew I couldn't continue that way. I think you will know when and if you ever need to make a move but hopefully you can remain positive while there!
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