Recently I had an amazing conversation with one of those really special people in life. You know the person…she is enlightened, progressive, smart-as-get-out and simultaneously cool, calm, collected and centered (Silver Lining).
We were talking about the concept of obligation in life. Now that I’m feeling better, I’ve been feeling obligated to do this or that. Why? Perhaps because I was off of the circuit grid for a year thanks to FBC (f-bomb breast cancer) or perhaps because I was raised in a strict, conservative, guilt-ridden Catholic environment and am hard wired to feel this way. Whatever the source, I sure don’t like the feeling.
When I laid out my (obligatory) options, my friend asked me which of the options I was passionate about. “None,” I said. Well, then she ripped out a pen and paper and wrote the phrase below.
She reminded me to make choices about how I spend my time based on passion, not obligation. She illuminated the fact that Action Without Passion = Obligation.
Honestly, after this conversation, I felt like a huge stress-boulder had been lifted from my shoulders. What an incredible, Silver Lined gift!
AMEN SISTA!
Very wise words, indeed! We all need this reminder. Taking extraordinary care of ourselves sometimes means we can't be there for others. We have to be at peace with whatever others may think of us. Not easy and it takes time. I've been told it gets easier and easier. I'm just happy to be aware and moving forward in this way as well. It's enough for now.
Close in spirit,
Kim
You're so right, Kim. Absolutely right on! Thank you, as always!
THANK YOU for this post! It's exactly what I needed to hear today. I've been debating between two choices for the past week and you just helped me decide which one I wanted. Please give your wise friend a hug from me.
Oh, I'm so happy to hear the great news, Cathy. What a Silver Lining!