Sometimes, we can get so set in a particular direction that we forget to check whether this is actually where we really want to be heading.
I’ve noticed from my own experience that sometimes my True North changes.
When I was about 11, I decided that I wanted to be a dentist.
And that was that!
I went all the way through school and college, taking all the necessary exams, moving from Sussex to Oxford when I was 17 to re-sit my exams to get the grades I needed (including completing 3 A levels in one year whilst working a full-time job to fund my studies and cover all of my living expenses), and finally secured several University placements to study my beloved dentistry.
This was when I actually paused and asked myself, ‘is this what I REALLY want to be doing? Is this my calling?’
It turned out my answer was actually no.
It was challenging for me to admit that after so many years, and so much effort, I changed my mind.
However – and this is a big one…what’s the bigger risk? Keeping on with an unhappy heart with our ladder effectively balanced against the wrong wall, or fessing up to ourselves and being honest about what our true north really is? 1
My epiphany came when I realized I could no longer see myself happily going through the motions of doing what a dentist does! Especially given that the role is so sedentary, and doesn’t allow the patient to actually chat with me! (I love finding out about people and what they’re passionate about in their lives etc…)
Having the guts to change my path meant that my heart was in sync with the direction I was following (and still am) and that decision, in turn, let me live more lightly.
I’m curious to know what this might say to you. It’s not for me or anyone else to answer; it’s for you. Is your compass pointed True North for you?
As always – I look forward to seeing you on this week’s, #AliveWithFi!
1 “Knowing we are on the right path is not nearly as hard as we think,” “especially when we listen to the answers we already know.”
https://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-11308/how-do-you-know-if-youre-on-the-right-path.html
“How Do You Know If You’re On the Right Path?”
- Dowling, Pys.D, (n.d.).
Fi Jamieson-Folland D.O., I.N.H.C., is The LifeStyle Aligner, with over 27 years experience in Europe, Asia and New Zealand as a qualified Osteopath, Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, educator, writer, certified raw vegan gluten-free chef, speaker, health mentor and Health Brand Ambassador.
