14 Ways to Learn the Secret to Happiness
11th Way: Finding Your Calling
Some find meaning in religion or spirituality while others find purpose in their work or relationships. Finding Your Calling may be much more than accomplishing one simple strategy for increasing your happiness, but having a sense of purpose – of feeling like you are here for a reason – can perhaps bring the greatest joy of all.
In July, I turn 45 years old. It seems impossible that I’m this old, but I would not change my age for all the money in the world. I really mean this because it has taken me this long to really figure out what I want to do with my life and who I want to do it with. My life’s purpose, or calling, is vividly clear for me right now. My daily commitment to this website and the potential it has to positively impact many people’s lives is a big piece of my calling – my purpose.
One day last week when I was leaving work I happened to check my personal email account. Like most of you, the majority of what arrives is spam, but I do have my email address on this website so I thought I would see if any one had left me a comment or suggestion. Someone did.
A relative of Mary Beth’s, who I don’t know well at all, read The Next 45 Years. I can’t remember what the topic what on that day, but she was completely overcome with emotion and a new-found inspiration for her life. I won’t share her email because of its private nature, but I can say I felt the depth of her emotion by just reading her words. I printed the email and brought it home to Mary Beth. I told my wife that if no one ever reads the website again, I knew I had already accomplished something very worthy and significant in my life. It was clear on that day I had found my calling and I am on this earth for a reason.
If you are still searching for your calling and life’s purpose, it’s really pretty easy to find. Take a sheet of paper and begin to write down all of the things you are passionate about. This is your list, so don’t cheat yourself. Be real and be honest with yourself, and just let it go. Write down any dreams you have had in the past or any of your current dreams. The one that jumps off the page and smacks you right between the eyes and makes you begin to cry is your calling. Honor this one and respect it. And if you give it permission, it will change your life.