Living Your Hearts Desire

Have you ever taken a leap of faith and done something radical because you knew deep inside it was the right thing to do? I recently did something really radical, and it changed the way I look at my life for the better!

I quit my very lucrative day job...

to make more room for...

Something more satisfying.

"More satisfying," you scoff. "Work is not supposed to be satisfying, that is why it is called work!"

One day, after a long day at work, I looked up at a poem I have posted on my bulletin board. A bit of prose I came across over 10 years ago and fell in love with. There are many who claim this as their own, but maybe you can make it YOUR own!

"A master in the art of living draws no distinction between his work and his play, his labor and his leisure, his mind and his body, his information and his recreation, his love and his religion. He hardly knows which is which. He simply pursues his vision of excellence through whatever he is doing, and leaves others to decide whether he is working or playing. To himself, he is doing both." - Author unknown

After 4 months of working in a new company, I was just was not happy and knew deep down that I had sold out to make the big bucks. Sure, I felt proud to have reached a level of income that was a big milestone of mine, but at what cost? I woke up unhappy each week day. I dreaded Sunday evening at 9pm because I knew Monday was just around the corner. I brought my work home with me in my head, which totally zapped my creativity. I needed to get on track with writing my novel and my brain was not in gear. This job was dragging me down. I definately was not "working and playing!"

On one hand, I was very thankful to have this nice cushy job and no money worries as I establish my career as a writer. On the other, it defeated the purpose if my creativity was slipping away. I was not in any way "mastering" my life.

My friends and family might think I am crazy for up and quitting my job with no plan. In fact, in this recession, what I did was outright INSANE, now that I think about it. But hey, we live but once. I am proud of my decision and am sticking to my guns. I was true to myself.

Yes, I am looking for a new job that fits in more with who I am as a person and my goals. I want something that will bring me joy! Surprisingly, I have been quite successful in getting interviews and offers in a job area that is completely different. The interviewers all say the same thing to me "This is a switch for you, but we see your passion for this area!"

You see, I believe that good things come to people who are honest and work hard. Sounds a bit Idealistic, but that's what I am; A die hard, pie in the sky, dreamer. I choose to call myself a Visionary, or better yet, a Possibility Thinker.

Yes, letting go of something certain for something very unknown is risky. Even downright scary. But I chose to let go of something that was emotionally draining to make room for something more emotionally satisfying. I did not care about being judged. That was a big growth move for me and one I could not have made just a few years ago.

Many self-development experts say the ultimate goal is to live a life in all areas that is congruent with you vision and values.

So I ask you:

• Are you the "master" of your life choices?
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• In what areas of your life are you not being true to yourself?
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• What risk would you take to change your life so you can live in harmony with your vision and values?

We are the artist. Why not master the art of this "canvas" called life? We only go around once, my friends. Have the confidence in yourself to take a leap of faith! Be bold. Be brave! Make a change in any and all areas of your like that aren't bringing you joy.