What
Calls You?
by
Claudette Rowley
We all know people who have known from birth almost
that they had a calling - to be a dancer or parent or
salesperson. A calling that had a life of its own, a
force that was so strong they couldn't resist it. Here's
the truth: We all have a calling, several in fact. A
calling is a vocation in any area of life: work, relationship,
or lifestyle. Our callings or vocations are the forces
that pull us toward being more authentic - toward lives
centered around what we want, and even more important,
what we love.
We can be called to DO something, like train as a surgeon,
publish a book of short stories or start a non-profit
venture. We are equally as likely to be called to BE
something as well - more creative, more compassionate
or more truthful. Any calling we hear is our natural
birthright. No calling is better than another nor is
one person more worthy than another to follow their
calling.
Here are three very general steps to identifying and
following a calling:
- Listen. The universe is constantly
asking us to follow our callings. When we don't know
what they are, it gives us signs and signals. For
example, one client overheard a conversation in a
coffee shop that was exactly what she needed to hear
at the time, as if the words were spoken directly
to her.
- Respond. Once we've identified
a calling, we need to respond "yes or no"
to it. Sometimes we answer consciously, and sometimes
unconsciously by turning a deaf ear to the calling.
When we hear the calling, but don't respond, the universe
pushes and prods us.
- Take action. All calls must be
translated into action at some point or another. There's
an art to the timing of action. When it's time to
take action, the universe will up the ante until we
do.
I'll share an example from my own life. About four
years ago, I knew that one of my callings was to be
a coach. I knew it like I know my own name. I started
exploring the field, registered for a training program
and told friends and family. I was taking action, right?
Well, the universe wasn't satisfied. I was still working
at my social work job, a job that I had described more
than once as "killing my spirit." I continued
to work there for the salary. (Let me be clear: sometimes
continuing to work for your salary is a necessary leg
in your journey). The universe upped the ante, and gave
me a wake up call. I was presented with a scenario at
work that compromised my personal integrity so much
that I couldn't write my letter of resignation fast
enough. A colleague later commented, "The universe
really gave you a swift kick in the pants, didn't it?"
She was right.
Here's a sampling of possible signs that you are being
prompted to follow a calling:
- Synchronicity. For example, three
people recommend the same book to you in the space
of the week. The message is clear - go get the book.
- Wake up call. An unexpected turn
of events occurs, for instance, you become ill, you
lose your job or a relationship ends abruptly.
- Intuition. You know in your gut
that there's a new direction in which you need to
head.
- Body signals. Your body is wise,
and will communicate with you when you're not getting
the message. For example, if you have a persistent
pain in your neck, what's a "pain in the neck"
in your life? See if the two are related.
Take a look at the spectrum of your life right now.
What's calling to you? Which calls are you answering
right now? Is it time to translate a calling into action?
In the end, we are called to be ourselves more fully
- to give expression to what resounds in our souls.
About the Author:
Claudette Rowley, MSW, CPPC is an intuitive coach and
author. Claudette is an expert in helping entrepreneurs
and career changers identify their true purpose and
calling in life, and find the courage to pursue it.
She guides her clients through her "Vision to Voice"
process which helps them to design personal and professional
lives that reflect who they are, and to create success
on their own terms.
Claudette is the co-author of the book A Guide to Getting
It: A Clear, Compelling Vision, and produces the monthly
ezine Insights for the Savvy. She is also a qualified
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator facilitator. She is known
for her intuitive style, her ability to get to the heart
of a matter, and her passion for challenging people
to move out of their comfort zones.
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