What is your calling now?

I was surprised to learn that my alumni presentation next Saturday on "Finding Your Calling in This Season of Life" has enrolled twice what we'd expected. Clearly, this "back to school" season beckons many of us to pursue new projects, new intentions. Studies have shown that people of all ages are happier and healthier when they pursue their own meaningful goals. And as citizens in a world of challenge and change, we are architects of our collective future. We have the power not only to change our lives but to create our country anew with the small choices we make each day.

What is your intention for this new season?
What do you feel really called to do?

Think of one small step you can take in that direction and begin moving forward.
As the Tao Te Ching reminds us:

"The journey of a thousand miles
Begins with a single step."

I wish you joy on the path.

What do I really value?

Each day we hear of new economic crises as old paradigms of security crumble beneath us. Yet amid the debris of broken dreams, there's a chance to renew our dreams, to ask, "What do I really value?"

My favorite quote from Bobby Kennedy shines today with greater clarity than it did in 1968:

"The gross national product does not allow for the health of our children, the quality of their education, or the joy of their play.

It does not include the beauty of our poetry or the strength of our marriages; the intelligence of our public debate or the integrity of our public officials.

It measures neither our wit nor our courage; neither our wisdom nor our learning; neither our compassion nor our devotion to our country; it measures everything, in short, except that which makes life worthwhile."

Address at the University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, March 18, 1968.

Discovery

When was the last time you really played? My puppy, Ginny, insists on playing. All young animals play. It's how they learn, develop their brains, exercise their creativity.

There's a part of you that is forever young, forever in discovery. As a child, you followed your natural curiosity to explore your world, discovering what you were good at, what you loved to do. Beneath all the layers of adult responsibility, all the shoulds and obligations, there's still that young child within you, your source of energy, joy, and creativity.

In chapter 1 of Your Personal Renaissance, I ask readers to reflect on their childhood, to remember what they loved to do. You can do this by visualizing your child self, asking what you loved to do, and making a few notes to yourself.

Did you feel energized when you recalled what brought you joy in childhood? What gifts or talents did your young self demonstrate: a love of nature, courage, kindness, resourcefulness, interpersonal skills, a sense of adventure, teamwork, leadership, artistic talent, or something else?

Now choose one of your favorite gifts and find a way to use it in your life today. If you loved nature as a child, take a walk in a garden or park. If you loved playing team sports, begin an exercise practice or find a way to develop a sense of teamwork in your life. Studies have shown that when we use our gifts--our inner resources--we are happier, healthier, and more successful. Discovering your gifts is the first step on your journey to find your true calling.

You can find more ways to discover your gifts in Your Personal Renaissance, pages 20-37.

Beginning the journey

As I was meditating this morning, the words of Rabbi Hillel echoed through my mind--

"If I am not for myself, who will be for me?
If I am for myself alone, what am I?
If not now, when?"

Beginning your personal Renaissance involves a revolution in consciousness.
Living your true calling is a perfect synthesis of personal fulfillment and altruism. Instead of reacting to others' demands and expectations, you will reach deep within yourself, listen to your heart, and bring your own personal gifts forward. Living your calling means living more creatively, discovering a deep reservoir of inspiration. As you add new energy, joy, and meaning to your life, you will bring new possibilities to the world.