Meaningful Lifework

Seeeking meaningful and fulfilling work can become a discouraging, confusing and overwhelming journey. Beware spending too much time looking for your answers outside of yourself. Ultimately, coming to know our right livelihood is the inner work of our whole being.

In order to nurture our well-being and come to our right livelihood; it is best to frequently pause and halt the busy "doing and thinking" process. Pause, relax and trust. This runs contrary to the belief espoused within the employment industry of "looking for a job is a full-time job." Woe upon those who follow this motto.

If we push ourselves non-stop into our career/job search (or within our jobs/lives) how can we hear the voice of our heart? The small still voice within is buried under a constantly busy mind and hectic life - so applauded by our society. I am not advocating that we wait for manna from heaven to supply our answers.

We need to do our research and seek the help we may need in order to make wise choices. However, I have found great value in pausing and waiting rather than trying to force a decision or an action. Try it.

Through pausing and exercising patience much is often revealed to us. Also, by pausing, relaxing and trusting we are aligning ourselves moment by moment with our heart and our God.

How do we distinguish between the voice of our God and that of the busy-mind pushing us along - often driven by the underlying insecurity of being human? As Robert Johnson, Jungian analyst and author of "Balancing Heaven and Earth," says; "How do we know if we are truly following the will of God? One knows instinctively; there is a sense of peace, balance, and fullness, an unhurriedness."

From my own experience I would add there is a clean, direct simplicity to my small, still voice. Also, if the voice directing me from within is harsh, hurtful or driven by fear I know with certainty this is NOT the voice of my God.

Finding work that is meaningful and fulfilling is not something we 'figure-out,' abdicate to external forces, nor something we push ourselves to do. Rather, it is more a process in time wherein we come to know and trust our deepest desires, intuition and clarity of mind. Coming to know our right livelihood involves our whole being.

Seeking the slender threads weaving our lives can also lead us toward meaningful work. What are the slender threads? "Being in a particular place at just the right time, meeting someone who steers you in an unforeseen direction, the unexpected appearance of work or money or inspiration just when they are most needed. Whether called fate, destiny or the hand of God, slender threads are at work…weaving the remarkable tapestry of our lives." Robert A. Johnson, Balancing Heaven and Earth.

Viewing my own life I see how those slender threads - chance meetings - patterned decades of my life. I see how some of my best career choices came about through some great benevolent force guiding me, connecting me to necessary people and experiences more so than my well-made plans or goals. All I did was get the information I could, put myself out there and then, follow the little steps revealed to me.

If you are in job search or looking for career direction put yourself "out there" and be open to slender threads. Participate in free local employment programs - looking and listening for unexpected connections or clues. Pay attention to meaningful words that suddenly catch your attention or replay in your mind whether from a passing stranger, friend, dream, song, TV show, book title, or….

Tell everyone you meet you are in career change, soul searching, job search…find your own words. In a sentence or two let them know what you enjoy doing, what your skills are, what interests you or where you would like to work. Ask if they can think of a job title that might suit someone like you, or where you might apply for work, or who else could they suggest for you talk to.

People love to help if we will but open ourselves to their generosity. Take little steps. Pause, relax and trust your small inner voice.

Look for the slender threads weaving the majestic tapestry of our lives. Herein, follow the guidance toward your right livelihood.

Teresa's Bio Teresa Proudlove; storyteller, coach, internationally published writer and entrepreneur helps people remember their authentic Self and gifts. Living her passion, Teresa has lead thousands of people through her “Livelihood” workshops. With wisdom and heart Teresa inspires people to create the life and work they love.

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“What is my calling?” Do any of us really have complete clarity about our life calling? Even those of us with the knowingness we must teach, write or sing are often asking, “What direction am I to go, now?”

Richard Bolles, author of “What Color is My Parachute?” and the granddaddy of the employment industry says, when people are asked what they would like to do they often respond with “I don’t know.” Bolles maintains this is because people interpret the question to be “What am I going to do with the rest of my life?”

This question is too big, too daunting, immobilizing people. Instead, remind yourself that the career journey is much like driving a car in the fog. Sign posts arrive at the crossroads and we can reach our destination despite the fog. Instead of worrying ourselves with not having the answer to our career/path questions (that perhaps, can only be revealed as we grow into them) what if we simply looked for the slender threads?

Slender Threads at Work

As Robert Johnson, says in “Balancing Heaven and Earth,” slender threads are about “being in a particular place at just the right time, meeting someone who steers you in an unforeseen direction, the unexpected appearance of work or money or inspiration just when they are most needed… Whether called fate, destiny or the hand of God, slender threads are at work… weaving the remarkable tapestry of our lives.”

Tuesday morning I wrote in my journal, “If we had the money to retire right now with all of our needs abundantly met for life; what would I be doing with my free time? How would I enjoy contributing?”

That very night I ‘happened’ across an interview with Alanis Morissette on Much Music. Strangely enough, I watch little TV, dislike what I’ve glimpsed of Much Music, and I do not listen to Alanis Morissette’s music. Yet, quickly captured by Alanis’s words, I watched the one hour interview with her which helped clarify my longing for more direction in my career. Ah, slender threads at work!

Transparent and Authentic

Alanis attributed her enormous success to her willingness to be as transparent and authentic as she possibly can. By freely expressing herself, her truths – however frightening and humbling – Alanis said she gives people the courage to freely express their selves.

By accepting all aspects of her self including “the good and the bad,” Alanis spoke of how she has become more integrated, whole, and authentic. She is comfortable in her own skin. Being whole – with all of our short-falls is so much more freeing than working hard to always look good. Through allowing her self to be wholly alive and authentic, Alanis spoke of learning to love the human condition and having compassion for us all.

Closely living this transparent, authenticity resonates deeply in my soul. It is here we are our most vulnerable, compassionate and real. It is here we learn to trust who we are. What a precious reminder for all of us to follow our own authentic self and inner truth.

You Know Your Truth

When Alanis was asked how she comes up with song-writing ideas, she said she rereads her personal journals to find her truth and direction. We can all reconnect with our truth, our calling and direction through revisiting our journals. If you do not write a journal now would be good time to start.

Alanis inspired me to re-read my journal and the ‘theme’ of my life was readily apparent. More slender threads at work. My constant quest for a deeper understanding of myself, the human condition and of God is always there. Clearly, this lifeblood of mine must be the foundation of all that I do.

By looking deeply within at our own truths we can uncover our direction. We know the truth of what we would love to do. We need to nurture the expression of our desire rather than squelching it or adamantly sticking with, “I don’t know.” And yes, sometimes it does help to talk to the right person who can reconnect you with what you already know.

Trust that you do know what you want to do – even if it does not seem readily apparent. That’s O.K. Just begin by giving yourself the freedom to express your inner desires, dreams and fears by journaling everyday. Without judgment, allow yourself to write and think about what you enjoy doing, or would enjoy doing, if you had the money, time, education, experience, fill-in-the-blank.

Through these simple acts of trusting ourselves, listening to ourselves, and looking for the slender threads weaving our lives we nurture the relationship with our deeper self. Herein, we learn to author our own lives and live with authenticity and inner authority.

Welcome to our "Free Quality Articles" that you may use as content on your site. If you would like to reprint any of these articles or parts thereof, please do so. We simply request that you state the article title; credit the author, Teresa Proudlove; include her brief bio; and attach a hot-link to www.yourlifework.com.

Teresa's Bio Teresa Proudlove; storyteller, coach, internationally published writer and entrepreneur helps people remember their authentic Self and gifts. Living her passion, Teresa has lead thousands of people through her “Livelihood” workshops. With wisdom and heart Teresa inspires people to create the life and work they love.