I've been experiencing a bit of an identity crisis recently.
It isn't necessarily a "who am I" moment though, thankfully I have that part under control so far. (Shout out to Jesus for that)
It's more about what the heck I want in life. What do I want to do? What do I even like? Who do I want to be involved with?
I grew up liking a lot of different things.
I played soccer my whole life, and I really liked it.
I danced and played violin for a little while...which I also liked.
I like to paint and create new things.
I, actually, really like shopping.
I'm an expert in sweets, so I like to bake too.
Talking and telling other peoples stories is something I have always liked to do.
Eating healthy and working out? Yup, for the most part, I like it.
But, when it comes to a things I love to do...that's a tough one.
Anyone else relate to this?
Don't get me wrong, I "love" a lot of things...really love them!
But do I love them enough to want to wake up everyday and do them? Do I love something enough to call it a passion? That's the questionable part.
Plus, I'm often surrounded by people who have their thing found out.
The one, sometimes multiple for those A++ people, thing they are excellent at. Better than good or great, they are overall exceptionally talented at it and enjoy it tremendously.
Like my husband and baseball, Clark lives and breathes it. He can't wait until the next game, next at bat, and the next practice. It's his thing. It's his love.
Do you know anyone in your life who has found their love?
That person who can really call their love a passion, not just something they like. That person who knows, in one way or another, their love will always be present in their life.
And P.S. : If that's you- I'm jealous. Not even going to hide it. I hope you take your love and run wild with it. If you've been asking for a sign regarding if you should pursue your love...here it is. This is your sign. Go!
For anyone who is reading this, thinking "That's me! Always liking something, but just haven't found my love", let me encourage you with this: 5 Ways to Help You Find Your Love
(I will also be reading, and re-reading, this to hype myself up here lol)
1. We are all created so uniquely; don't even let the comparison game begin.
I don't think we will ever be able to fully comprehend the individual quality and traits God hand picked for us to have and use. We all enjoy different things and react to those in our own way. Instead of focusing only on what your love is, dive into the unique qualities you have. Put your blinders on and enjoy who YOU are. Forcing yourself to love something just because someone else does will never give you satisfaction. Plus- we all have gone through different experiences! Embrace your experiences and traits.
2. Test the waters.
I think this is probably the best advice I have received yet on this topic. Try out different things. If you think you may love baking...go bake. If maybe you might love graphic design...start designing. Maybe you love business communications...girl go get you a job in business communications. If we never test the water, we wont ever find a pool we love.
3. Don't just dip a toe, jump in...all the way.
Yup, back to a water analogy. But, this is the best way to encourage you without telling you to not "half a**" it. We will never find a love by barely scraping the surface.
So, you want to be a fitness coach? Go buy books about the skills, theories, and training techniques with fitness. Then read. Soak up all of the knowledge you can possibly consume. Begin perfecting your craft. Find some guinea pigs to use as your first clients and give them all you have. (Isn't that what family and bffs are for anyways?) We have to put in the work and effort.
Go jump into it fully. You are more likely to find your love once you finally dunk your head and get your hair wet.
4. Don't feel bad if you run through a hundred things.
I think this is important. Somewhere, we were told a lie that you have to find something and stick to it forever. Which is partly true, I'm a firm believer of finishing what you started.
BUT this doesn't mean settling for something because you're embarrassed or too scared to move on and try new things. If you ask most happily, successful people who are further in their passions, they will tell you they have tried many different things until they found their love.
A painter may go through fifty different techniques until they find one they love. This may mean experiencing jobs in different career industries until you get to your love. But, don't let embarrassment keep you from searching. Like I said earlier, we are all running down our own paths and with our own purposes here on Earth. So you do you!
5. Pray. Pray. Pray. & Repeat.
So many people laugh because I can't help but bring Jesus into the conversation...no matter what I'm talking about. The truth is though, praying is quite honestly one of the most underrated aspects of life. I challenge you to pray for five minutes every day for one week.
It doesn't matter if you just sit and chat with God about the sky in the morning or vent about your rough day to him in the evening, set yourself a timer and talk with him for at least five minutes. Whether you haven't said a word to him since you were a kid or talk to him daily, he will meet you there. He will show up every single time.
So, go talk to him about what your love could be. I've been practicing this for about two weeks straight so far, and the peace and encouragement he has revealed to me is incredible.
I hope this gave you some guidance and encouragement! If you already have a love, may you follow it to your fullest and never take it for granted. If you are searching like me, may we continue to enjoy life while on the journey.
Final words- You are never too old and you are never too young to find your passion and follow it fully.
I love to hear your stories of how you found what you love and how you are still finding what you love! Comment them below and encourage everyone reading this.