In the summer you might find me hiking at our cabin. I fish. I go 4-wheeling. I laze around, but hiking is, by far, my favorite activity to do there. I’ve discovered a few new trails to hike this year and, as I set out, I’m always hoping that I find my way back to our cabin. I actually have my eye on a nifty LL Bean compass (“An advanced hiking compass for backcountry adventures of all kinds where accuracy, precision and durability are required.”). I haven’t decided if I’ll purchase it or not.
The adventurous side of me tells me to take off and explore and “end up where I end up.” The cautious and practical side of me tells me to buy a compass and stick to the paths.
Checking Boxes
I wouldn’t be a life coach if I didn’t make a connection between L.L. Bean compasses and my own inner compass. You and I have a “compass” inside of us (a yearning) that will lead us to our “true north,” but we often follow the direction that others want us to go instead.
We’ve grown up in a system that doesn’t always support our highest good. In fact, long ago, our society was built around factories and pushing people to work in them. Our present-day system doesn’t always consider our individuality and our unique gifts.
We’ve been conditioned to checkboxes.
- First high school. ✔
- Then college. ✔
- Then career. ✔
- Then retirement. ✔
From a young age, we’re placed on a timeline that we’re expected to follow.
Wave your wand
I’ve got a question for you: If you could wave a magic wand and wake up tomorrow getting paid to do what you love, what would you be doing? Maybe you pushed aside or brushed off that “thing” inside of you and you’re leaving your gifts untapped
The #1 regret of the dying is that they wished they had had the courage to live a life true to themselves and not one that was expected of them. Listen up:
- You don’t have to be what you’ve always been!
- You don’t have to believe what you’ve always believed!
- The passions of your past do not have to be your passions now!
As best-selling author Martha Beck puts it: “If there’s something you hate doing, then stop. If there’s something you love doing, continue.”
Trust your own compass. Take risks. Do something that you know you want to do, but that frightens you. If you’re not pushing that edge of the unknown, you’ll never do anything new. Find your ikigai! Haven’t heard of that word? You can read more in a recent blog.
Life is written with a pencil
When you make a mistake, begin again.
When you fail (and you will) Fail Forward.
When you find yourself on the wrong path, don’t panic.
When you’re frustrated and confused, don’t worry. This is part of the process.
Rest assured, you are on a journey with many that are navigating their path as well.
Color outside the line
There is endless room for individuality. Your unique contribution to the world is desperately needed. In fact, it’s your duty to give the world “all you got.” Trust your own compass.
What might happen if you stopped telling yourself that you aren’t good enough, or it isn’t possible, or you don’t deserve it, or what will people think? Trust your own compass.
What might happen if you had the courage to walk toward what is whispering and tugging at you? Trust your own compass.
You got this, My Friend! Grab your compass and enjoy the journey!
