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This week I was blessed and honoured to graduate with a Bachelor of Health Sciences (Naturopathy) from Endeavour College of Natural Health! I started this degree in 2008, and now after all the blood, sweat and tears (and 6 and a half years of my life), I can finally hold my piece of paper in my hands.
Graduation day was a mix of relief, sheer joy, exhilaration, (and my ego will tell you just a teeny-tiny bit of pride). The whole day was mind-blowingingly satisfying – I am just so excited to be a qualified naturopath.
This experience has led me to reflect on the power of (a) finding your calling and (b) grabbing it with both hands!
So I’ve put together these ideas to help you get clear on your intentions and chase after those dreams…
1. What Do You Feel Passionately About?
This one is easy enough to work out for most people. Simply ask yourself – what brings fire to your belly? What (or whom) do you get inspired by? What do you enjoy doing with your free time? What do you enjoy talking about with friends and family? These are all huge clues that can lead you towards your special interest or life purpose.
If you’re stuck, you can try making a vision board, mind mapping, or pouring your heart out into your journal to get to the core of what you love and believe in.
2. How Could You Turn This Into Your Life Purpose?
Once you have ideas about what you would love to be doing with your time, you can begin brainstorming. For example, how could you turn your love and passion for writing poetry into (a) a career, (b) a satisfying side project?
Do some research, think outside the square, talk to people who are doing what you want to do.
I cannot underestimate how crucial this stage is. It’s super important that you steer clear of any naysayers at this point (and this includes drowning out your own inner critic!)
Sometimes it’s actually better to keep your little passion a secret and protect that flame that’s burning until it gets just a little stronger. If you’re not careful someone you know could unknowingly extinguish it for you. This is tragic and can equal unfulfilled dreams and wishes, (which can haunt you for all eternity!)
3. What is Your Vision?
Next I want you to first think about where you want to be 5 years from now, then 10 years. While these are classic job interview questions they really do get you honing in on where you see yourself. Be bold here, allow your grandiose visions to come to the fore – you only live once in this body!
Visualise in detail exactly how your dream / calling will look in all its manifested glory.
Once again you can vision board, mind map or journal as part of this creative process.
Ok, so now you are a little clearer about what you do want, it’s time to take some action and move towards those dreams!
4. Be Brave and Take a Risk
Begin where you are. Today. Now!
This might mean you need to research the field you’d like to study and look at course options. Or maybe it’s time to start your blog. You could join a special interest group that does what you want to do or apply for a new job (yes – the one you’ve been eyeing off on Seek!)
Take a risk (albeit calculated risks please – i.e. don’t quit your job without a safety net or plan of action!) Getting out of your comfort zone is a big part of growth, so if it feels icky or a little bit uncomfortable then great! You are on the right track.
When I started my naturopathy degree I knew it was a risk, and it did feel uncomfortable at times… but it has paid off in so many ways.
I am much healthier than I was in my early 20’s went I first began this degree (think binge-drinker and chocaholic!)
Now all these years later, not only have I got a piece of paper that says I can advise people about their health, but I’ve become a living example of what it means to live a healthy life.
A life filled to the brim with soul-nourishing activities, like blogging, morning yoga sessions, and chia puddings. God it feels good.
5. Start and then Keep Going
Ok so there are definitely some pay offs once you achieve your goal, but I know that during the process it can be hard and sometimes even feel impossible. Staying on track is so important, and you can do this by surrounding yourself with a cheerleading squad of like-minded people that believe in you.
I can honestly say that I wanted to quit so many times during my degree, and I know I’m not alone. There were plenty of other naturopath students alongside me thinking the same thing! Luckily, I didn’t give up. Persistence really is the key to success.
6. Nothing Lasts Forever
Remember that life changes and sometimes very quickly! So if you’re stuck in a job you’re not loving, just keep telling yourself that it will pass soon enough. Or if you are on track and really feeling passionate about what you’re doing, chances are that you’ll be in a completely different space or role in the future! You will continue to grow and expand as a human being, spiritually and professionally, and your calling and purpose will change along with you! How exciting!
So what do you feel passionately about? What are you waiting for!
Leave your comments below if you’re feeling brave. Thanks beautiful ones! x
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