It seems lately the media is on a full out blitz to foster a fear based, scarcity mentality. The financial outlook is dim, global unrest, political deviance, and an overall vision of dark, lack, and anxiety.
Equally, there is news of an awakening, a shift of consciousness, a renewed sense of heightened awareness. This anticipation for better times and ease is keeping many people focused and in a place of hope. Several of the readings I’ve done the past few weeks have been about career change, entrepreneurial dreams, and the strong desire to have work reflect and support the inner self as well as the balance in the checkbook.
The Millenials, those born roughly between the early 1980’s and 2000, are a huge component of this shift. These are the folks being saddled with college loan debt that potentially surpasses decades of income. I read an article the other day that said many Millenials are not as vested in the prestige or the paycheck, but want to do work that is enjoyable and exemplifies their personalities and desires. For the hell of it, I randomly started asking people in that age group if it was true. Every single one said, “Exactly”, with absolutely no hesitation. This is borderline blasphemy for a lot of older generations. Work isn’t suppose to be fun. Go to college, get a degree, get a good job, be responsible. If that feeds your soul and brings you joy, go at it. If it doesn’t, maybe you have to make it up as you go for a while. Neither is better or worse, yet both can help bring balance to this shift we’re all trying to navigate.
Many Boomers and Generations X, Y, and Z are also in flux about where they’ve been, where they’re going, and if they are contributing to the best of their ability. These are the demographic of the population with mortgages, small children to raise or children in college, planning for retirement, or caring for an elderly parent. Sometimes you just have to hang on with what you’re doing a little longer because there are other people depending on you. But that doesn’t mean not following your dreams and passions. Without the balance of joyful expression and feeding our souls, we lose our shine. It becomes a mundane existence of mediocrity.
One simple thing to try is to develop ritual. Make it all yours. This isn’t reliant on the constraints of time or money. If it means enough to you, you’ll make the time. One constant throughout my life has been journaling every morning. It’s a sacred part of who I am and how I choose to start the day. If your clarity and peace of mind comes via drawing, singing, running, knitting, building a bookshelf, it doesn’t matter. It matters that you honor that piece of yourself. If as you read that you immediately started making up excuses as to why you couldn’t do it, you probably need to do this more than you may realize. A package of loose leaf paper is less than a dollar at a discount store. Draw on the back of an envelope. Buy a cheap skein of yarn. Repurpose an old piece of furniture. Get outside and take a long walk. Consistent ritual sends the message to the Universe that you’re showing up and valuing your true essence. This in turn opens your life to new opportunities and experiences that vibrate more closely to your truest self. Your hobby or interest may become a new career or financial venture, or it just may be what brings a sense of balance and peace for that sacred part of your day, making the rest of it a little more enjoyable.