Everyone’s talking about it: your calling, your life’s purpose. But what does it truly mean? And more importantly — how do you find your own, in a world constantly telling you what’s smart, safe, and reasonable? This is your journey back to your heart.
What is a calling, really?
It’s not just about your job. It’s something you once decided deep in your heart, long ago. Sadly, along the way — through the hustle of growing up and trying to figure yourself out — you forgot what it was. But the signs are still there. And they always have to do with joy and fun.
Why so many people miss their calling
We live in a society louder than ever in telling us what’s right, smart, and successful. But what if none of that fits you? Many live a life others designed for them. Brilliant lawyers, famous doctors, successful entrepreneurs — too many people realize late in life: “Something’s missing.” And not a few regret never having done what truly made their hearts sing.
What does a calling feel like?
It feels like joy. It doesn’t feel like work. You feel alive, fulfilled. You don’t need recovery time after. You don’t even need a vacation, because your work recharges you. If you’re constantly exhausted and drained, chances are you’re not living your calling.
What childhood has to do with it
Everything. The first six years of your life shape everything. You were told what’s smart, what makes money, what’s proper and acceptable. Very few of us were allowed to really try out what made us happy. My father once told me how he and his brother used to dam a little stream in the woods and build tiny water wheels. Pure bliss — until their dad showed up, furious because they hadn’t helped with the harvest and were “wasting time.”
How to rediscover your calling
Experiment. Feel. Notice. Don’t ask yourself: “What’s sensible? What pays well?”
Ask: “What brings me joy?”
If you haven’t felt joy in a long time, you’ll have to ease your way back into it. Like a child. Try silly, ridiculous things. Real, outrageous fun — with no purpose whatsoever. Things you never got to do as a kid: ride a skateboard, rent a bouncy castle, throw a costume party for no reason, run barefoot through the garden, dance in the rain, splash through puddles, visit a toy store and try out everything they’ll let you.
That’s where your calling is hiding.
Take one small step today. Not tomorrow.
Try something that might make you smile. See if it sparks something inside.
And PLEASE — tell me what you discovered.
We´re so curious to hear about your wild, silly moment!
photo by tabea magura
