365 Inspirations—127: Do What You Love....

I was a guest speaker this evening at a non-fiction writing class at the U of W

"Don't aim for success if you want it; just do what you love and believe in, and it will come naturally."—David Frost

Late last night, after writing a post about "struggling," I picked up an old book from a shelf in the living room. Someone gave me that book in 1993 or 1994 at my good-bye party. I had just quit my job.

The book is called Do What You Love and the Money Will Follow. The title says it all.

I needed to revisit that book last night. I needed to remember the circumstances in which I received that book.

I had recently graduated from college and, after an endless job search, I landed my first job at a vocational rehabilitation firm as a job developer. My job was to make cold calls to businesses asking questions about various jobs.

It was good pay, I had my own office with my name on the door, I had great benefits.....but I wasn't happy.

After a meeting one day, I gave my boss my notice. I still remember that day so clearly. I felt so incredibly free. I felt like my car was flying on the way home. At a good-bye party, a co-worker gave me the aforementioned book. She told me that she was proud of me for following my heart. I can't forget that day.

I had no idea what I would do. I lived on ramen for the next few months and got a job as a hostess at Tony Roma's. I moved into the basement of a house because the rent was cheap. I got rid of things. I had a garage sale. I downsized.

I had free time, so I read the book. I volunteered for a literacy program and helped teach a 13-year old boy how to read. Eventually I ended up in Mexico teaching English and later ventured down to South America. My life of teaching ESL and traveling had begun. And I really loved it.

I still love it, but I'm being called to do something else.

Today I was a guest speaker at a non-fiction writing class at the University of Washington. I talked about my journey from blog to book. It was a wonderful group and I felt I had so much to share. I felt I was in my element.

I know this is what I want to do. I want to share my experiences through writing and through classes/workshops/retreats in order to help others fulfill their own dreams, whether it be writing, blogging, knitting, skydiving, unicycling or juggling.

I feel I have a lot to offer and I'm ready to not be afraid of that anymore. I'm ready to move completely into who I am and help others get there too.

This is my calling. This is where I'm headed.

Are you following your passion? Are you living an authentic life that fits who YOU are?