We Go Together

There’s supposed to be this survey that states that about 75 percent of the population (of..The United States? I can’t find any source, so who knows what I’m rambling about anyway) do not know what their passion is. 75 percent sounds like a huge amount to me; three out of four people don’t do what they actually want to do? Because…they don’t really know what that thing they are intended to do is?

Well hello, any wake-up calls wanted?

As most of you might now, I have always been stunned by the way some people ‘settle for less’. They follow the path of the least resistance, live their life the way they were expected to. But… exactly who is expecting them to do this or that? Is it not just this weird mindfuck of people, thinking they can read the minds of people close to them and following the bits and pieces they pick up on through their ‘telepathic connections’?

And honestly: what is in it for you, citizen of this world. Who has got the freedom to choose (as I expect you do). Who is clever (enough to use a computer and read this post) and educated. Why would you decide to shape your life in the way you think that other people wish you to? Is it honestly your biggest dream to ‘study, get a job, settle ‘down’ (down? Don’t you wanna go up-up-up?!), work 9-5, raise your kids and have about two weeks of holiday a year until you retire’? (Not that I believe there is anything against family-life and enjoying it, I’m talking about hating your job and feeling like you’re failing at ‘this thing called life’).

You might die half way there. Having a job you don’t really like, feeling guilty because you don’t spend enough time with your family and slowly burning out because nothing is topping up your energy level. Nothing tickles that happy spot inside, that you used to cherish when you were young and ‘all seemed possible’.

I believe you never have to lose that

You just have to continue to tickle yourself, by telling yourself that everything is - indeed - possible. Because you are an awesome person and your life is the only thing that truly belongs to you. Throwing yourself, your situation, your securities around every now and then can be just the thing you need. Such a great breather!

I don’t say it is easy to do all of this. You’ll probably have to step out of your comfort zone, put effort and energy in to learning new skills, you might be afraid you will fail miserably (and you’d rather let your dreams be dreams, because well…they just sound so much nicer than they probably will end up being..UCH) and then there’s the other list of excuses. (This probably includes something about paying off your student debt, having to pay your mortgage, and so on).

Just work with me here for a little bit. It will only cost you one afternoon to read this and answer the questions I have posted - and answered myself. You might figure out you are already living the life you’ve always wanted (and I say Waaaaay to go Sir!), or…. you notice you’re tickling that spot inside, you’re uncovering your innermost wishes and slowly start to see what is locked inside.

What puts a smile on your face? - Name something that you do - or used to do - that brings total peace to you when you do it.

I have noticed that I miss working with kids. When I was in New Zealand (about seven years ago) I volunteered at a Montessori preschool and had an awesome time. I did not know the system, but was very warmly welcomed and enjoyed playing with and reading to the kids so much. I remember getting the sweetest feedback from the founder of the school, about how much the kids seemed to feel at ease while being around me. I wonder if this is the reason I receive so many cute smiles while walking across the street or in a supermarket. (It’s so much fun to try and get a crying child to smile, just by looking at them!)

Last year, I was happy enough to get to babysit an adorable girl, before I left for Far-Far Away-Dom, and I must say.. I miss seeing her grow up. Being part of something bigger than me. Of the connection you can get with a child over a period of time, the exchange of knowledge (you get to teach them a lot, basics you’d forgotten about, but they will also mirror your actions. Every. Single. Bit. you do; so hello confrontation!) I don’t want to be a mother, but I definitely want to be the sweetest auntie possible (once one of my bro’s is ready for it, muha) and work with kids at some point in my future.

What do you find easy? - It’s very hard to hate something that is very easy for you. Easy equals fun, equals happiness, equals passion, equals: a possible career.

Not to say it’s the easiest thing in the world to me - it takes energy, a lot of thought and puzzling with the ABC - but I find it hard to hate something that I have loved ever since I was a little farmer’s girl.

Writing is like breathing, when I allow myself to focus and get in to a flow. I’m gone, lost. If I’m able to forget about insecurities and the bar I normally raise too very high… I enjoy it like a cold glass of water on a hot and humid day, and would not want to live without it.

What sparks your creativity? - Think about those moments in your life where you seem to expand your horizon, always coming up with new, fun, and exciting ideas relating to that subject.

Dare I say…travel? Nothing gets me on a greater high, than planning a future trip. Thinking about the possibility of…

Checking all the options, closing my eyes and picturing the moments I am able to have. Reading in to it, unable to grasp everything that is out there for me. It kicks my ass and tells me to treat myself well, to take care of my body and life, in order to be able to keep on expanding my..mind, my perspective, my horizon.

What would you do for free? - What would you just love to do, even if you were not getting paid? Something that you look forward to and wish you could do all the time.

I believe there would be a lot of stuff I would do ‘for free’. Because I don’t see this like that. I believe there is always a sort of exchange going on. An experience to be had, a lesson to be learned. (Of course you have to put your own qualities at value and make a living, but I don’t believe we are talking about a career at this point. We are talking about Passion, capital P.)

I was not supposed to be here, in Asia, right now. Or during the last couple of months. I had planned to go to Australia, to go WWOOF-ing over there. To work at a hostel, B&B, or cute little shop - in exchange for a place to stay and my daily bread. It did not turn out that way, because my heart longed for Asia… But that does not take away the will to volunteer. To give a little of my energy and kindness. In this case I would get some things in return. But it is not about all of that now, is it. It’s just as enjoyable when the ‘rewards’ are hidden. A smile on someone’s face. A ‘thank you’. A child at an orphanage that gives you a hug, a tear of tiredness after ending an awesome project in your neighbourhood.

Most of the times, I write for free. I would teach - to a certain point - yoga, for free. I would give people advice, for free. I would babysit, for free. I would help disabled/older people to get groceries and drink tea with them, for free. I would organize a festival or youth-exchange, for free. I would teach English, for free. I would do so much, for free…

Doing something you love, is not about money. Passion will pay you, in a total different way. Simply by giving you that little tickle inside.

What do you like to talk about? - A very good way to figure this out, is to ask your friends what you talk about most; what makes your eyes brighten up.

Some days, when I’m sitting in my dorm and feel like I really, really need a good night of sleep (read: 3 seconds until I pass out)..I’m praying I will not have to answer the questions: ‘So, how long have you been here?’ and ‘What have you been doing over here?’.

You might wonder why I dread answering these polite questions.. It is because I know that once I start, it is soo darn hard to stop talking.

I will start by telling people I arrived in Thailand and spend my first weeks in a temple in Chiang Mai (‘What? WOW! That’s awesome! what’s that like??), to learn how to meditate. I will roughly go through the rest of the countries and spots I’ve visited, until we reach the point of ‘the present moment’ and I will mention my Bikram Yoga practice.

By now, I will be sitting up straight and my face will have started to glow. My eyes probably light up while I am talking about my new found love of connecting B&M (yes, Body and Mind), because all of a sudden people want to know EVERYTHING. (And remember, I was tired!) However, I love talking about all of this. The experiences I’ve had over the last couple of months. The way this trip has changed me. What I am getting out of my yoga practice. I love to inspire and inform others about this, and love it when people are truly interested and write down the website of the International Buddhist Center of search the web for the nearest Bikram studio.

The thing I was dreading half an hour ago, has given me new energy by the end of the conversation. Talking about my passion has made me realize what is important to me, getting feedback made me aware of how ‘special’ it is to have found this inner peace, informing others just feels great.

What makes you unafraid of failure? - Think of something that you just do or want to do, no matter what. Something that you do not have second thoughts about.

This is a hard one. As hard as I try not to - overly - judge myself, most of the time I am guilty as hell. I believe passion and (fear of) failure go hand in hand. That little bit of fear keeps you focused, it shows you how much you want to achieve something. How you wanna rock it, want to nail it and share it with others. (Correct me if you don’t feel this way. You might think that a true, real, passion is in no way connected to fear of failure. Do share your thoughts!). There are things I do, despite fear of falling down and hurting myself.

Moving around countries (where I don’t speak the native language, or where the natives don’t speak any language that I speak) - continents even. It’s an urge, something that calls me.There is no wrong or right, because it secures freedom and growth. Jumping in to the unknown is my most important teacher; I attend classes in letting go, setting boundaries, staying calm and listening to my intuition. (Stay if you love it here, run if things don’t feel right.)

What would you regret not having tried? - If you were at the end of your life, what would you regret not having pursued?

I can be short on this. I would totally regret not stepping out of my comfort zone and attending yoga teacher training, trying to create a live abroad where I teach - and write - as I go.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this post (I surely enjoyed writing it!) and would love for you to think about these questions yourself and answer them. Keep them to yourself if you want to, share them with your lover, or feel free to share them online. On your own blog, or over here. I’m happy to put your ideas and thoughts about your True Passion on this blog (do you feel a new project coming up?). Shout!