It’s been a while since I wrote a post here. I apologize!
There’s just so much going on in this season, but I felt inspired and I wanted to share some thoughts with you, as I’ve been working on a premium coaching program for executive women (but the blog applies to all).
… so here we go…
I noticed that each time the topic of fulfillment comes up in certain conversations, it tends to swing to one of two extremes:
Camp 1 – Guilt. Oh no! Who am I to say that I want a life that is deeply joyful and fulfilling? This is wishful thinking. Another way to say it’s just plain wrong to seek fulfillment in life.
This mindset is about self-judgment and self-righteousness. It stems from the belief that fulfillment is selfish, and I cannot focus on my own joy and passions, because that will make me “egotistical”.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
Camp 2 – Selfish Ambition. The world owes me, I must be at the center of everything. I must have lots of money and luxury and not have to work another day. This is the breeding ground for greed and entitlement.
Fulfillment doesn’t mean “getting stuff” or materialism. Fulfillment is not a “fluffy” idea for those who have time and money. It is a radical concept to live by.
Do you know that there are people in poor, third world countries that are deeply fulfilled, fully alive and yet have difficult circumstances that they face daily?
Fulfillment is a paradox. This means it contains two opposing truths.
- Choosing joy, and a life that makes you feel full
- You may sacrifice or pay the price for it.
Fulfillment is NOT always about feeling “good”. Society is set up to make us temporarily filled with stuff but leaves us constantly hungry for real experiences and authentic connections in our soul.
In some cases, choosing to live a fulfilled life may result in you getting rid of material or unnecessary things that get in the way of you fully living your life.
Contrary to how society wants us to chase after stuff, choosing fulfillment may allow you to temporarily be uncomfortable, but secure a lasting sense of meaning and purpose in your life.
It means choosing to stop numbing your emotional pain.
It means taking full responsibility for what is not working in your life.
To bring it home practically,
Fulfillment is about asking yourself these questions:
- What type of family and dynamics do you crave?
- How do I want to show up at my work and make a contribution?
- How can my finances become a channel that supports me to live healthily and be generous to others?
- How can I start creating time so that I can do the things that nourish my soul and grow me?
- How can I use the gifts and talents that God has given me to make a difference in the world?
- How can I be a part of a community or network that encourages me, helps me feel connected and loved?
- How can I stop the cycle of dysfunction in my relationships so that I can experience genuine connection and intimacy?
- How can I stop playing small and making excuses so that I can take the risks that life requires of me?
Have you asked yourself any of these questions lately?
Written by Grace Samson-Song
Grace has been curious about transitions from a very young age. She currently consults and assists people to get unstuck in the areas of life purpose and calling, career choices and personal development. She is the founder of The Maximize group and the Author of Crossing Intersections.
