By Lori Shobe
Why is rebelling against the status quo so insanely difficult? I put in my resignation at my school and the other teachers thought I surely must have some terminal disease, or at the very least a mental condition worthy of inpatient treatment! I, too, have been questioning my sanity regarding the whole affair. I am having difficulty sleeping and I’ve eaten more calories this month than most people eat in a year. My husband, who has many dreams, goals, and achievements to his credit, gave up his secure well-paying job five years ago to start his own company and hasn’t looked back. He laments that he only has one lifetime to live and that is surely not sufficient time to realize every career desire he has. Right now he is considering whether or not to pursue politics or become a farmer. He plays in a band, is a geologist, a pilot, and does wood-working. I, on the other hand, seem to have no passions whatsoever. To know that I can “do whatever I want” with my life doesn’t liberate me; on the contrary, it scares me senseless!
How does one determine one’s passion? I thought I wanted to be a photographer, and, after enrolling in a prestigious photography school, and purchasing a camera that costs more than my car, I realized it was not for me. I have since learned to turn the camera on, and even took some pictures of the family at Thanksgiving, so it wasn’t a total loss. After some introspection, and much desperation, I had an epiphany. What is the one thing that has always given me pleasure, and that other people seem to think I am good at? Writing. But…could I make a living at it? Do I have the confidence and persistence to truly follow a silly dream I had in 10th grade to be an author? I think so, and for me, that small spark of possibility is enough for now.
Lori – I know exactly where you have been, and believe me I have been there myself. This doubt, this uncertainty, is a part of the first steps toward living uncommonly. It is the deep breath before the plunge, the hesitation before the leap of faith. Though it is scary and unsure, you are asking the right question and on the right path. Keep asking questions, keep talking it out, and know that this community is always here to support you in any way we can.
And look on the bright side – this guest post is a new entry on your resume as a writer! If anyone has words or wisdom for Lori, please feel free to share them!
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
KEEP WRITING! It has become my passion – I love it!!
If you want to make a career of it, there will be many trials, but the time spent has been emotionally healing for me and I highly recommend it!
Best of luck!
Shawna
Hi Lori,
Don’t be afraid. Now I know the question I’m going to ask you will be difficult, but stop listening to your saboteur sitting on your shoulder and listen to your heart.
What’s the worst thing that could happen?
The worse thing that can happen is that you pursue your dreams, and if it doesn’t work out, and you get another job.
Really. That’s it. Doesn’t sound THAT bad, does it?
Just because you jump for an uncommon life and it doesn’t work out for you, doesn’t mean you are not allowed to go back to a permanent job if it turns out it is not for you.
So Lori, give it a good hard think, and come back to us. We’re all dying to hear what your epiphany is. We’re all waiting with suspension to see your vision come to life.
And I personally have the champagne chilling for the celebration party.
Twitter: evanhadkins
Wandering around, checking things out is fine. The boy who started Subway wrote his book and called it Start Small Finish Big. Don’t make any big plans before you know enough for them to be realistic. Try out stuff, throw stuff against the wall and see what sticks. You can zig zag toward a goal as well as head straight for it.
Here are some ideas for finding your passion:
What do you daydream about?
What do you feel satisfied after doing?
Note the things that grab your attention: what do they have in common?
Laddering: at it’s simplest asking Why? Find something you like. Ask yourself why you like it. Of this answer ask yourself why you like it. Keep asking until you get to something like, because it’s just me or just because I do. Do this with a few things and put the answers together.
Hope this helps.
Trust me when I tell you that this girl will be fine…she’ll be better than fine, she’ll be GREAT at whatever she decides to do. I know this because I have taught with her for five years, and am lucky enough to call myself her best friend. She is unlike anyone else, and has the most passionate heart..the kind people search their entire life for. This is the scary part of change. Her uniqueness makes so many things possible for her, and the playing field is so unbelievably vast. Look at her name, because I know that you will see it on a book someday. It is a moment I will have seen coming!