Last week, we touched on one of my favorite questions: What do you want out of life, really? Reader responses were all over the place, some placing the inevitable focus on money, while others sought after time to chase more qualitative rather than quantitative pursuits; some noted that loving relationships were supreme, and others argued that with enough money, you could buy just about anything, including peace of mind.
As we noted last week, Eric Hoffer, the longshoreman philosopher, offered some guiding wisdom here when he said, "You can never get enough of what you don't need to make you happy." I usually misquote him slightly and say, "You can never get enough of what you don't really want."
With Thanksgiving having come and gone, I thought this would be a great time to continue the mindfulness of gratitude. With that in mind, here's what a few readers had to say, some via comments, and others via e-mail to me.
One very powerful comment came in an e-mail to me from Kelly Larson, who gave me permission to quote her. Listen closely to the profound message contained herein. It is from this short and yet poignant note that I took today's title:
I read your article in the Huffington Post "Life Goals: What do you Really Want?" and wanted to respond. A recent bout with illness has brought this very issue to the forefront in my life.
After a three year professional hiatus dealing with a personal health crisis, I possess a clarity I certainly didn't before, and I no longer feel motivated by a paycheck, a title, or a certain cache associated with a profession. I feel guided by meaning rather than ambition, and now have a real desire for authenticity and passion in my professional life.
However, I find the challenge I'm facing now is simply this, choosing. When one is working towards that next paycheck, that next title, the path is quite clear...when on a treadmill there's little doubt about the direction one's headed, head down, one foot in front of the other, consciousness and presence not required. But having stepped off the treadmill, having stopped listening to the voices of others (most times!) or thriving on the hustle for more, I'm struggling to find my own voice again. What do I like? What inspires me? What experiences am I after? Am I brave enough to try? It's not the destination that's elusive for me, it's the path there...at least for now!
Thanks for letting me respond. Appreciate your time!
Kelly Larson
Read Full Article: Here
:::: Until Next Time: à Donf ::::
