Hey there friends! Today's post is about something I'm in the middle of right now. It's about figuring out how to successfully create space for your passions. Let's jump into the journey of making room for our true selves even when life's expectations pull us in other directions.
My Journey: Balancing Passions and Expectations
Up until recently I hadn't realized that I was in the middle of a challenge that many of us face—balancing what I truly want for my life while trying to perform to meet the expectations around me. It's like trying to fit a puzzle piece into the wrong spot. Have you ever felt that way? It's the struggle of wanting to chase our dreams while not wanting to let down the people around us. Personally, I got so caught up in the idea of meeting and exceeding those expectations that I forgot to consider alternative options.
The reality is, we don't need to try to match the shape of that missing puzzle piece. We were uniquely created to provide something different. Something that leads us to shaping and molding the pieces around us to create a new puzzle where we can begin to thrive.
Discovering the Power of Passion
As I've worked through this personally, I've seen how powerful it is for my soul to make space for my gifts and passions. As I've been working to understand what it's like to mold the pieces around me I've began to rediscover passions and goals that I had lost track of over time. I feel like a landscape architect working a beautiful design into the landscape that's already been presented - choosing what plant will compliment the rest of the design best, what type of water feature will allow the hidden pleasures of the garden come to life, creating a template for things to come and be added on.
So, what do we need to do to continue to create space for our passions? We start by removing those traits that we've adopted that aren't true of ourselves. Think of it as decluttering our mental closet to make room for the clothes that truly reflect our style. Letting go of what others expect of us frees us to embrace what we genuinely love.
Embracing The Narrow Trail
It's natural to fear the unknown, to fear what might happen if we leave the bike path to bushwhack along the narrow trail. But here's the secret: the most fulfilling destinations often lie off the beaten track. It's in taking those unconventional routes that we stumble upon hidden treasures, opportunities we never could have foreseen, and a deeper understanding of who we are and what we're capable of.
The unconventional route certainly isn't easy. It definitely doesn't "make sense". But, we have the ability to create a puzzle more beautiful than any puzzle we've ever seen before.
Embrace the Journey
Creating space for our passions is an ongoing journey, a daily commitment to align action and desire. It's about freeing ourselves from the chains of external expectations and allowing our authentic selves to shine through. While the path may have its share of bumps, accompanied by moments of uncertainty and doubt, it also winds through instances of pure excitement, the joys of uncovering one's true identity, and delightful expectation for what's ahead.
You're now where I am friends. Traveling down this path of uncertainty and doubt on a journey towards liberation from the chains into a life led by the gifts and passions we've been blessed with. Let's embark on this adventure together. Let's unapologetically make room for our passions and embrace the masterpiece God has called us into. Let's remember that we're not alone in this journey and that every step we take is a step towards a life that's truly our own.
