I don't know about you, but I am STOKED for 2015! I have a feeling that it will be an awesome year! What are your desires and intentions for the year ahead?
I created a vision board for 2015 and put it on the wall over my bed (replacing the previous one that I had made in February of 2014). I also made a written list, which I called "Desires and Intentions for 2015." I found it extremely helpful to get clear on exactly WHAT I want in my life for this year. And I will admit, some of what came up for me were somewhat surprising.
What we want for ourselves in our lives often changes over time. As we go through life, new desires and interests come to the surface. It's ok to shift our focus and follow those new passions.
The question I've been wrestling with is how do you know if you should stick with a current, or past passion, or move on?
I don't have the answer to that question, but I think the quote above says it best. If you feel stuck, stagnant, or unhappy, that's usually a clue that you need to move on or at the very least change something.
As I like to do, I'll share a bit of my personal experience.
I've been working hard on writing fiction novels for the past six months. In that time I have published three new novels (part of a series), and the fourth one is nearly finished. I even have the fifth book in that series already in my head. But for some reason, something shifted inside me around mid-December. I lost motivation to write.
I'm not sure what it is, but I felt the need to make a change. Real estate came to my mind.
I've toyed with becoming a realtor for years, but the timing never felt right. Now it feels right.
What does this mean for my path as a novelist? I don't know. The past several days I've struggled with the idea of maybe I should stick with writing. Maybe I'm on the verge of "my breakthrough" and should keep forging ahead. Am I making a mistake by shifting my focus now?
Who knows. All I do know is my motivation and energy has taken a definite turn. And as Wayne Dyer says, "Follow the energy."
Do what you feel drawn to do. What ignites a passion, an interest, inside you.
For me, right now, that's real estate. Will it change? Maybe, maybe not.
What will happen with my writing in the future? I don't know that either. I have a feeling that I'll write and publish more novels. I still feel that inside of me. The interest is still there, it's just shifting.
Finding the courage to follow your shifting passions is the key. Not everyone has that courage. But bottom line, it's your life to lead. However you want.
What will YOU do with your life? What will you do with the next twelve months and this brand new year we've all been given?
I'd love to hear more about your desires and intentions for your life! Leave a comment below, or look me up on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/sarahnoel500).
Whatever you choose to do, may you have an awesome start to 2015!
-- Sarah
Hi Sarah,
ReplyDeleteGreat post, as always! It's so interesting hearing your perspective on things, and it's nice to know I'm not the only person with such shifting interests.
In the past six months, I've moved from copywriting to fiction writing, and non-fiction writing, and right now I'm considering returning to my roots in physics, and taking up a full-time space scientist position. It's all very excited, but confusing too!
Do you think Ellie's interest in real estate, in the third novel in your series, came from your own passion? Or did you discover the interest while researching for your book?
I'd love to chat with you about all this sometime. Until then, good luck with your decision - I'm sure you'll make the right one! - and I hope you continue with this fabulous blog! :)
Big hugs,
Hazelxx
Hazel,
DeleteThanks for your comment! And for the compliments! :)
Your career journey is very similar to mine! I find it confusing too. Do you ever struggle with regrets... such as regret leaving a past job for writing, only to have it not work out like you had hoped? Sometimes I struggle with that, and have to remind myself I made the best decision I could at that time in my life.
Elle's interest in real estate absolutely came from my own interest. :) All my characters have a *little bit* of me in them (some more than others). At the time of writing that book though, I wasn't actually considering becoming an agent myself. That came a couple months later, oddly enough.
If you want to connect in a different platform, look me up on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/sarahnoel500), if we're not already "Facebook friends".... I know I know at least one Hazel on FB, is that you? Hazel H.?
Anyway, best to you in your continued journey!
Sarah