We are afraid
The thing is, most of us are afraid.
Afraid to put ourselves ‘out there.’
Afraid to make the invite.
Afraid to fail. Afraid to succeed.
Afraid not to be liked. Afraid to love.
Afraid to say, ‘yes.’ Afraid to say, ‘no.’
Afraid to show our hearts. Afraid to see ourselves in others.
Afraid to take the leap. Afraid to sit still.
Afraid to be different. Afraid to be normal.
Afraid to be boring. Afraid to stand out.
So, we nestle ourselves comfortably within the confines of the bell curve.
We strive for ‘acceptably normal.’ We strive to ‘fit in.’
So that we’ll belong. So that we’ll be loved.
But the problem is that the more we strive to fit into the curve, the more apathetic we become, the more bored we find ourselves, the more anxiety we develop,
and the less energy and dedication we spend on what truly matters.
The more we strive to belong to something external, the less we tune into ourselves and what brings our souls to life.
And what more is there? What are we waiting for?
Permission?
A roadmap?
Someone else to do it first?
You are your best thing.
This moment you’re living right now is life.
If not now, when?
Too often, we conform to the vision of what we should be, instead of focusing on what fills us with joy, meaning, and purpose in our lives.
We deny ourselves the delight of play, creation, and curious exploration, trading authentic expression for certainty.
What if we pressed pause on fear, just for long enough to see it for what it is? To examine thoughtfully how it holds us back? What if we thanked it, as author Elizabeth Gilbert does when she begins any new creative project, and explained patiently that for this endeavour, its services aren’t required.
What if instead of pursuing success according to someone else’s definition and consistently measuring ours in relation to theirs, we redefined it for ourselves?
What if our focus shifted to finding deep fulfilment through the expression of our truest selves?
Now, for the million dollar question…
HOW?
How can I become more fulfilled and happy?
Mihaly Csiksentmihaly is a positive psychologist, speaker, and author has made it his life’s work to find out what makes people happy and deeply fulfilled. In his 2004 TED talk, Flow, The Secret to Happiness, he asserts the research-based conclusion that material goods do not ensure happiness, and that true happiness is found when one is in flow.
So, how do you find your flow? How do you even know when you’re close?
Here are the 7 signs that you’re in flow: (paraphrased from TED2004):
- Complete focus and concentration on a task
- A sense of being outside of yourself, the world, and the everyday
- Clarity-you know where to go intuitively
- You know that even through an activity is difficult, your skills are adequate enough to complete the task (difficult but possible)
- A sense of serenity and growth, unencumbered by the ego
- Time disappears
- Intrinsic motivation-the activity itself is the reward
We all have that thing that puts us into flow. Flow is our soul’s connection to purpose and meaning. Flow is play.
Think of the child who weaves in and out of flow so effortlessly, without the promise of an end-product.
Flow is that perfect balance when challenges are higher than average, but so is the skill set. It’s where you feel the joy of innovation and creation, while experiencing deep connection to the world and your place in it.
Maybe it’s been a while since you experienced it. Perhaps you’ve even convinced yourself that it’s a thing of the past. Maybe you’re waiting for the perfect moment or a permission slip from the office…
Take the leap. Just for fun. Find and explore the thing that makes you feel alive and connected.
Allow it to dissolve time.
Let it carry you away.
It may not bring you financial wealth, but it will make your soul fuller.
Just do a little more of that thing.
And maybe when you’re ready, you’ll share it.
