Where Is Your Heart?
On the surface you may be thinking the answer to the question, “Where is your heart?” is that it is in your chest. While this is technically correct I’d like to take it to a much deeper level by asking you to think about the following questions. For example, What is your purpose here on this planet called earth? What is your passion? What do you simply love to do? What is gratifying to your soul? What do you love to do? What inspires you? What do you spend your time thinking about?
Imagine what it would be like to wake up every morning and you can hardly wait to jump out of bed. You love what you do for a living. In fact, you love it so much you could do it seven days a week.
What if you inherited or won millions of dollars? What would you do with your life? Would you quit your job? Would you start the business of your dreams? If you own a business would you sell it? Or would you invest more money into it to make it the very best?
I challenge you to examine your life right now. Are you happy doing what you are doing? What are some goals and dreams that you never pursued because life got in the way? Where is your heart? What inspires you? Do you have a book inside you that you always wanted to write? Is there a career that you really wanted to pursue but instead you followed in your parents footsteps?
Life is too short to not live a happy and fulfilled life. When was the the last time you experienced real joy? How could you create more joy in your life? Who are your role models?
There is a special place in the world for each and every one of us. Reach into your heart and search for that place if you have not already found it. Use your God given strengths and talents to be the best that you can possibly be. Give the world your very best. Listen to and live through your heart.
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Nice writing. You are on my RSS reader now so I can read more from you down the road.
Allen Taylor
Glad you like it Allen. Thank you for posting a comment.
Where is my Heart, What is My Passion, What is My Purpose?
When I was younger, my passion and purpose in life seemed to be focused on my career – getting good grades to get into a good college, grad school. Doing an exceptional job at work, striving to be a star employee and move up the career ladder. I could talk for hours with so much passion and excitement about my work with others. If I had a great day at work, then I felt complete…..as if I was very important and had made a difference. If I made an extra contribution at church when the offering plate came around, I patted myself on the back for being so giving. I focused on what great job I was going to conquer next, what training, or degree I could pursue next?
When I became a mom, my outlook changed — making that deadline, pleasing the boss, helping my clients, getting that bonus…..just did not give me that much joy, or sense of satisfaction….. it just no longer mattered to me… not one bit. Striving for more accomplishments just seemed ridiculous now. My charitable actions, felt effortless and meaningless.
Although this change in my outlook shifted when I became a mom and was personally so ultimately fulfilling, it conflicted with what society says you should be doing in order to feel successful, purposeful and useful.
Suddenly, to the outside world I went from a successful powerhouse to a lazy housewife, mother of two……. Even when I did re-enter the job world, I still was not viewed as having any real purpose or drive because I stopped working overtime, chose a career where I don’t work year round, I can now leave work “early”, and I choose to pass over leadership positions.
So, I spent many days and nights asking myself this very question you have posted….what IS my passion, my purpose in life….where IS my heart?
After much soul searching and finally letting go of what I felt others were telling me I should do to be a purposeful , contributing human being, I finally realized that I probably have more passion, more purpose, more meaning in my life NOW, than I ever have before…and I truly feel more CONTENT with life than ever before…… so what is the difference? And what is it that makes me feel I DO have a purpose and have passion in my life—and I know were my heart is?
I have allowed GOD into my heart and my life.
Life’s experiences—good and bad– have made me realize that God is with me every day and is guiding me in the right direction-as long as I allow him to. Knowing this has created such an inner peace even during hard times. I do believe this inner feeling does emanate outward towards others, and has a positive effect on the way I interact with people, and in the way I make other people feel. Hopefully those who are ready can see through me how God can impact their lives and accept God into their lives as well.
I strive to focusing more on the here and now and less on material or external gratifications.
How does this create a sense of purpose, or foster passion?
For me it clears my mind of way too much clutter—which allows me to focus on the things that DO bring purpose and passion in my life. I have a general game plan for my future, but I try to worry less about the things I cannot control. I spend less time and energy accumulating material belongings that I know deep down really will not bring me long term happiness. I tell myself if I do purchase something, the money I save on not buying the most popular name brand I can spend on a wonderful trip that will help me bond with the special people in my life and create memories in my mind and heart that can never be taken away.
I strive to be a positive influence and foster Positive Relationships – with my children, significant other, friends and family.
Sometimes lending a helping hand to a neighbor, making time to sit and listen to a friend’s worries, cheering your significant other on as he reaches his own personal dreams, sharing your wisdom with your children or just simply enjoying a good laugh and creating memories … can be the biggest gift a person can give. And it can be the most personally fulfilling experience one can have. Why? I believe because it comes from the heart, it is unconditional, and it is without any tangible rewards.
So, when I go to sleep each night I have a smile on my face, my mind is calm, my heart is warm and I know I do have purpose, I do have a fulfilling life, and I do have passion about every new day.
Everyone is different, some may not agree with what I am saying. Some may completely relate. But as long as each and every one of use can look at ourselves and know and feel good about where our hearts are, what our purpose is…in the end, that is all that counts!
Jean, thanks for sharing. I’m really glad you have found your heart, passion and purpose. It is amazing how God works in and through our lives. May you have everlasting peace and joy in your heart and soul.
Where is my Heart, What is My Passion, What is My Purpose?
When I was younger, my passion and purpose in life seemed to be focused on my career – getting good grades to get into a good college, grad school. Doing an exceptional job at work, striving to be a star employee and move up the career ladder. I could talk for hours with so much passion and excitement about my work with others. If I had a great day at work, then I felt complete…..as if I was very important and had made a difference. If I made an extra contribution at church when the offering plate came around, I patted myself on the back for being so giving. I focused on what great job I was going to conquer next, what training, or degree I could pursue next?
When I became a mom, my outlook changed — making that deadline, pleasing the boss, helping my clients, getting that bonus…..just did not give me that much joy, or sense of satisfaction….. it just no longer mattered to me… not one bit. Striving for more accomplishments just seemed ridiculous now. My charitable actions, felt effortless and meaningless.
Although this change in my outlook shifted when I became a mom and was personally so ultimately fulfilling, it conflicted with what society says you should be doing in order to feel successful, purposeful and useful.
Suddenly, to the outside world I went from a successful powerhouse to a lazy housewife, mother of two……. Even when I did re-enter the job world, I still was not viewed as having any real purpose or drive because I stopped working overtime, chose a career where I don’t work year round, I can now leave work “early”, and I choose to pass over leadership positions.
So, I spent many days and nights asking myself this very question you have posted….what IS my passion, my purpose in life….where IS my heart?
After much soul searching and finally letting go of what I felt others were telling me I should do to be a purposeful , contributing human being, I finally realized that I probably have more passion, more purpose, more meaning in my life NOW, than I ever have before…and I truly feel more CONTENT with life than ever before…… so what is the difference? And what is it that makes me feel I DO have a purpose and have passion in my life—and I know were my heart is?
I have allowed GOD into my heart and my life.
Life’s experiences—good and bad– have made me realize that God is with me every day and is guiding me in the right direction-as long as I allow him to. Knowing this has created such an inner peace even during hard times. I do believe this inner feeling does emanate outward towards others, and has a positive effect on the way I interact with people, and in the way I make other people feel. Hopefully those who are ready can see through me how God can impact their lives and accept God into their lives as well.
I strive to focusing more on the here and now and less on material or external gratifications.
How does this create a sense of purpose, or foster passion?
For me it clears my mind of way too much clutter—which allows me to focus on the things that DO bring purpose and passion in my life. I have a general game plan for my future, but I try to worry less about the things I cannot control. I spend less time and energy accumulating material belongings that I know deep down really will not bring me long term happiness. I tell myself if I do purchase something, the money I save on not buying the most popular name brand I can spend on a wonderful trip that will help me bond with the special people in my life and create memories in my mind and heart that can never be taken away.
I strive to be a positive influence and foster Positive Relationships – with my children, significant other, friends and family.
Sometimes lending a helping hand to a neighbor, making time to sit and listen to a friend’s worries, cheering your significant other on as he reaches his own personal dreams, sharing your wisdom with your children or just simply enjoying a good laugh and creating memories … can be the biggest gift a person can give. And it can be the most personally fulfilling experience one can have. Why? I believe because it comes from the heart, it is unconditional, and it is without any tangible rewards.
So, when I go to sleep each night I have a smile on my face, my mind is calm, my heart is warm and I know I do have purpose, I do have a fulfilling life, and I do have passion about every new day.
Everyone is different, some may not agree with what I am saying. Some may completely relate. But as long as each and every one of use can look at ourselves and know and feel good about where our hearts are, what our purpose is…in the end, that is all that counts!