Fulfillment & Healing

There often exists a chasm, a disconnect, between what individuals long to do with their lives and what they resign themselves to for one reason or another.

A part of healing can involve taking a look at the following questions—"What do I really want to do with my life?” And “What things make me feel truly alive and align with my interests and talents?”—and then taking productive steps in the direction of the answers provided.

For some people the answers to the above questions could involve: being outdoors more, traveling more, diving into health & fitness goals, spending more time with family, changing jobs or starting a business that aligns with one’s passions, volunteering with a specific group, or devoting more time to personal spiritual development.

For me, a part of healing involved healing spiritually in the form of embracing creativity and adventure to a greater degree.

One spiritual component of healing comes in the form of growing closer to God in a personal relationship, but I also believe there is another component to healing spiritually, and this involves narrowing that gap between what we desire in life and what we accept in life. It involves nurturing the passions and talents that God gave us, and believing that He blesses such a life.

When passions and talents and dreams are ignored, the often logical results are depression, anxiety, or anger.

However, when we return to a more natural state, one that feeds our passions, utilizes our talents, and respects our dreams (even indulges them), the logical results can be increased excitement, emotional balance, fulfillment and gratitude.

We feel more whole, and more alive this way.

As I said, for me a part of healing involved embracing creativity to a greater degree: creating websites, making videos and specifically writing more. Over the years, as happens to many people, I had become a little beaten down and jaded by the doldrums and stress of “the daily grind.” I had basically given up on the idea of my life being overly fulfilling or creative, and it had taken an immeasurable toll on my body, mind and spirit.

As I reduced medications, I also jumped into creative projects as a part of my healing plan, even if I could only do such work for a small amount of time at any one sitting. I wrote down ideas for websites and social media memes, I worked on writing short stories and devotions, and I read books about writing and tried to expand my vocabulary and prose skills.

I began to truly believe, as I did when I was a boy, that life should and could be special, and that I had a say in making it so.

There is a quote by Franz Kafka that says: “A non-writing writer is a monster courting insanity.”

I would add to that: he or she is courting anxiety, anger and depression.

And you could also substitute your specific passions and talents there, whatever they are. Perhaps you have a passion for language, or dance, or travel, or nature exploration, or fill in the blank. These things are not to be buried and ignored. They are to be embraced.

A part of healing will involve finding ways to identify and develop your talents, to respect and indulge your dreams, and to breathe new life into your passions. This is necessary to feel whole and balanced. This is necessary to uplift mood and feel more vibrant on a regular basis.

In order to wake up and feel excited about the day ahead, we must have plans to do things that feel exciting and meaningful.

This week begin to explore—perhaps to a greater degree than previously—these questions: What are my passions? What are my dreams? What are my talents? What would I love to do more of in order to make my life more fulfilling?

Then think about one or two small steps you can take in the direction of the answers provided. This will look different for everyone, but be helpful for everyone.

Have a blessed day and keep moving forward,

Michael