“Follow your bliss and the universe will open doors for you where there were only walls.”
Joseph Campbell
That’s a pretty heady thought, isn’t it? Do what you enjoy and the Big U will offer unlimited opportunities. Kind of like following the Yellow Brick Road to Oz, where the Wizard pulls goodies out of his magic bag.
There’s only one catch:
WHAT IS YOUR BLISS?
When I’ve given the Joseph Campbell quote above to friends over the years, 99% of them have sighed and said, “I wish I knew what my bliss is.”
Bliss is a state of profound satisfaction, happiness, or joy.
Wow, that’s a hard one. Instead of wondering, “What wonderful thing can I do to change the world?” we should be thinking, “What makes me happy?” If you’re happy, you infect the people around you with happiness. I like that kind of epidemic, and we can use a happiness epidemic.
Some of the staff of Psychic-Magic discovered our bliss after being downsized. What do you do while you’re looking for your next job opportunity? What fills the hours and takes your mind off wondering where the next dollar will come from or which website you should scour for a potential job? What’s your sanity maintenance?
I started sanding wooden cigar boxes and teaching myself pyrography (wood burning) as I burned Celtic designs into the wood. It felt good. I liked the smoothness of the bare wood; I liked the scent of sawdust that lingered after I’d finished sanding and put away my protective gear (for ears, eyes and breathing). I enjoyed burning the designs into the wood.
Someone wants to see some of my boxes with the idea of selling them on consignment. I’m going to show them some boxes tomorrow. Will they sell? Will I make enough to buy more boxes, sandpaper and sealer?
I received an email telling me someone was interested in having me do some editing work. I jumped at the chance.
Have I found my bliss? You bet!
The trick is not to sit back and think about what your bliss might be; it’s getting out there and doing something. I wanted to fill the worrisome hours, so I started decorating boxes. I found out it’s more than just a hobby. If I could make a business of it, I’d be happy. I love editing; it’s so fulfilling. If I can do it full time and get paid for it, I’d be ecstatic.
Wake up, people! Your bliss is running away while you’re sitting there trying to figure out what it is. One day you’ll look back and say, “Gee, I wish I’d done…” (insert activity here). That’s when you’ll discover what your bliss was. Now is the time to figure out what it is.
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