I had an epiphany today on my walk by the lake. Actually it was more a remembering of something I learned a long time ago. I love when that happens. It's like getting a dividend on an investment or a royalty payment for work you did in the past. The re-minder was that the purpose of my life is simply to experience being alive, with all the pleasures, sorrows, joys and fears involved. I believe we are all spiritual beings who are currently incarnated on the physical plane of existence. We're here to learn things, perhaps, but mostly we're here to enjoy riding around the sun a few times.
Lately I've been worrying that not only do I still not have a job, I still have yet to figure out what it is I want to do. There are lots and lots of things I could do, and do well. Over the years, I've acquired a healthy assortment of knowledge, skills and abilities that have both societal and economic value. I'm an experienced mediator, presenter and facilitator. I have expertise in the area of employment and organizational dynamics. I'm a skilled communicator. I'm a prolific singer/songwriter. I'm a poet, short-story writer and (obviously) blogger. I'm a counselor, coach and advisor. I'm a successful gardener and can repair small appliances. And those are just a few of the many things I can do. But what do I want to do with my time, and how can I make a living doing things I enjoy? Those questions have been weighing pretty heavily.
So it was a great relief this morning to recall that, despite any illusions of urgency, I don't really have to "figure out" anything. I simply need to stay open, active and receptive in order to discover what's next on this journey. And in the meantime, I'll just enjoy the ride.