How Do We Follow Our Bliss?
Posted: Friday, February 06, 2009
by Camille Strate
JoyZAChoice
Joseph Campbell said, "If you follow your bliss, you put yourself on a kind of track that has been there all the while, waiting for you, and the life that you ought to be living is the one you are living. When you see that, you begin to meet people who are in your field of bliss, and they open doors to you. I say, follow your bliss and don't be afraid, and doors will open where you didn't know they were going to be."
For many, many years, I was one of the millions who worked to live. I dabbled in various fields, mastering most & hating every minute. Even when I had my restaurant & things were going well, I always wanted to be somewhere else. I was always watching the clock. I was always waiting for that miracle to get me the hell outta there. It was a pretty sad way to go through the days, but I did it because I was taught to be "responsible".
Some of the lessons of said responsibility were:
" Money doesn't grow on trees."
" You can't have your cake & eat it too."
" Who do you think we are, the Rockefeller's?"
" You don't always get what you want."
" Life is hard."
" Who said life was fair?"
" Nothing comes easy."
" You have to work hard to get anywhere in this world."
" Save your money. You never know when something bad will happen."
Now, I ask you, what the hell kind of way is that to inspire a child? How do those words make a child feel empowered? What do you suppose those words would teach a child? Fear or empowerment?
I'm not blaming my parents. They taught us what they learned from their parents. They did the best they could with what they had to work with. And, through it all, they loved us well. So, I do not hold them responsible for what I took with me. That part is all mine. I'm fully aware that I have the choice to keep what feels right to me and ditch the rest. It's my world, and I can create it any way I want. Right?
So, what's with all the vacillating? Why do we struggle so much with letting go of the useless teachings & grabbing hold of the useful ones? Who is more likely to be living their bliss? Those who follow it or those who follow someone else's rules?
It comes to this: after all those years of being "responsible" in the way I was taught I should be, I finally got it. I finally saw that the only way I was going to live my bliss was to be who I am. Not who "they" want me to be. Not by "their" rules. But by my own. By listening to my heart. By paying attention to the things that make me sing and dismissing the things that don't. By looking in the mirror each morning with a smile on my face and a sparkle in my eyes for the new day I've been given to LIVE. This is what "responsible" people do. This is how we grow. This is what bliss is about. Be who you are. Write your own Constitution. Live your own life. When you will do this, without fear or doubt or worrying about what anyone else thinks, then and only then will you have found the path to your bliss.
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Top-level comments on this article: (5 total)Hi Camille.Very wise words. The hard part, though, really is getting past the fear. Those things your parents taught you are the same as what my parents taught me. It is hard some times to ignore them. But you left out, "You've made your bed, now lie in it." The ultimate in taking responsibility.I don't think there is anything wrong with being personally responsible. But as you said, it's only workable when you are true to yourself and not someone else's model of you.Well, anyway, your article comes at a time when I am doubting myself (happens a lot actually, but is particularly bad right now) and is a good reminder for me. When you do what you love and love what you do, how can good things help but follow?Thanks and hugs,DianneI'm guessing the last question, "When you do what you love and love what you do, how can good things help but follow?" was rhetorical? Or perhaps, a reminder from you FOR you. Either way, I hope you know that I'm in your corner, Dianne. You're an amazing, splendid, beautiful lady...and you DO deserve every happiness your lovely heart desires. Sit on THAT...and forget all the doubt. (yep. I know. Easier said than done sometimes...but only cuz we're working our way to that belief, yes?) Hang in there, Beautiful One. It's all exactly as it should be! T-R-U-S-T!
Hugs~
Camille
Hi Camille, I just had to comment. I love that quote by Joseph Campbell, it's one of my favorite! Thanks for sharing it with everyone. ValYou are quite welcome, Val. And thank YOU for reading...and giving me your energy too. It's wonderful!
Hugs~
Camille
I echo Diannes comments, great article Camille, as usual, very informative, and very well put together, I love the part where you said and I quote "live my bliss was to be who I am. Not who "they" want me to be. Not by "their" rules. But by my own. By listening to my heart. By paying attention to the things that make me sing and dismissing the things that don't". Very sound advice, the kind that folks should heed...very well done Camille, Your friend in pen......Gary.....Dearest Gary~
Thanks so much! I really do appreciate your commentary. And the fact that you actually read my 'stuff'. It counts!
Hugs~
Camille
Ti amo, sorella mia!Very nicely done.I'm so happy you are FINALLY enjoying your journey.You always did write very eloquently.Ciao bella!
Dear Camille,When what we struggle with becomes our friend, the struggle ceases. You told me that. For all your reminders and your love, I thank you. Your words brighten and simplify the world. Life is not easy, but it is simple. "To be, or not to be," the eternal question. Bliss or strife, let's see, which feels better?!Much love from your adopted sorella, Carolina
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