We all have a calling. I believe that. There is something special for us to do.
Finding the way to our calling is not always easy or clear. Sometimes the path is obscured by negative forces in our lives, or by our own complacency, and sometimes the path is obscured by our success and accomplishments.
In both cases we are challenged to break from the past.
Just because we have allowed events, other people, and ourselves to limit us in the past does not mean that we have to make that our choice today.
Just because we have been successful at something—sometimes very successful—in the past or present doesn’t mean we can’t un-tether ourselves from a predictably successful path to a less predictable, but even more meaningful path.
One example before we go.
What if you were a graduate of
How easily would you step away from such success?
Stop. Think about it. What would pull you away?
The answer.
Something even more meaningful.
Something even more personal.
Something even more exciting.
Your calling.
Gretchen Rubin is that law school graduate. She clerked for Sandra Day O’Connor. Yet she left the law for writing. It wouldn’t necessarily be easy. It didn’t matter. Gretchen had a calling.
Gretchen just released her fifth book, The Happiness Project. It’s a runaway bestseller. And it’s selling for good reason. It’s a great book. And it comes out of Gretchen’s calling.
Let’s all find our way—taking as many little or big steps as needed—to follow Gretchen’s example.
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Thanks, Susan, for the post!
Always good to hear from you. Enjoy the read!
Best, djp
Posted by: David J. Pollay | May 26, 2010 at 04:49 PM
Boy, great timing. I just received a Borders gift card for my birthday and hadn't yet decided what book to buy. Thanks so much for this great recommendation - I'm looking forward to delving in!
Posted by: Susan | May 25, 2010 at 12:52 PM
Hi Marina,
I can see why you want to pursue your art! You're awesome.
I think you'll find this post helpful, Marina.
http://davidjpollay.typepad.com/david_j_pollay/2009/08/your-7-step-life-calling-plan.html
Read the post and then keep finding a way to pursue your calling!
Stay in touch!
David
Posted by: David J. Pollay | May 24, 2010 at 01:29 PM
Hi Nick,
Great to hear from you! And congratulations to you! That's awesome. Stay in touch, Nick. I know you'll find The Law of the Garbage Truck helpful to you, too.
All the best,
David
Posted by: David J. Pollay | May 24, 2010 at 01:23 PM
I am an artist at heart... and have been working as an Engineer for all my life since I graduated from College. I am now 58. I got laid off from my job and am trying to convince myself that I can start something new and develop my art career. Maybe... just maybe I don't need to go back as an Engineer. The bad thing here is that I make a lot of money as an engineer and is hard to give up that money for little money in Art.
Marina
www.marinaswatercolors.com
f : Marina's Watercolors
Posted by: marina | May 24, 2010 at 10:36 AM
Thanks David. Gretchen does serve as a great example and you're right it is difficult...but that is also part of the happiness formula: to grow or growth. And to grow means to do uncomfortable things.In the process of reading Gretchen's book, and a number of interviews I've had the pleasure of listening to... I finally decided I had to make that decision to change. Gulp!
Nick
Posted by: Nick Grimshawe | May 24, 2010 at 02:37 AM
Congrats, Melanie, on finishing your exams! Very cool...you have a very full life. And you and Ned really do know about callings. Enjoy Gretchen's book.
Big hugs,
David
Posted by: David J. Pollay | May 22, 2010 at 12:08 PM
Thanks David for recommending this book. Having just finished finals and getting ready to "read for pleasure" this summer, I'm looking forward to adding Gretchen's book to my reading list! Ned and I know how honoring your call can be such a blessing! Can't wait to read her story!
Posted by: Melanie Crockett | May 22, 2010 at 10:24 AM
Congrats, Chris, on finishing exams! Whew! And you're right, changing a life path is not easy...but worth doing!
Enjoy Gretchen's books...maybe you'll be a lawyer & writer, too.
Best to you,
djp
Posted by: David J. Pollay | May 20, 2010 at 12:14 PM
As a current law student (just finished first-year exams yesterday!) I can understand how tough it must have been for her to change her path. I'm looking forward to taking a look at her books. Thanks again David. I always enjoy your recommendations.
Posted by: Chris | May 20, 2010 at 07:04 AM
Thanks, Max. Great to hear you already have Gretchen's book. It's no wonder that you do; it's making a big splash on the bestseller list. Enjoy!
Best to you,
David
Posted by: David J. Pollay | May 19, 2010 at 10:49 PM
Good to hear from you, Lil. Thanks for the note. Gretchen does have quite a background. Let me know how the book helps you. I know it will. Have a great night!
Best to you,
David
Posted by: David J. Pollay | May 19, 2010 at 10:47 PM
Thanks, Abigail. Great to hear from you. Enjoy the book!
Best to you,
David
Posted by: David J. Pollay | May 19, 2010 at 10:45 PM
Hi Anne,
Great to hear from you. You'll find Gretchen's book very helpful. Most importantly, you'll see how you can create your own Happiness Project.
All the best,
David
Posted by: David J. Pollay | May 19, 2010 at 10:44 PM
It's great to know that you recommended a book I just picked up, "The Happiness Project." Gretchen is quite accomplished in so many different areas. The post was great. Thanks David
Posted by: Max | May 19, 2010 at 10:32 PM