Recently, I have found myself in a very special space, that I personally called “accelerated expansion“. I have so many new ideas that I can’t write fast enough to put them down on paper. And I’ve been extremely sensitive to those things that don’t make me happy anymore. It feels like my body is cooperating with my soul, making it physically very difficult to do everything that may be called joyless.
When I do what I love (writing, blogging, book marketing, photography, hosting my radio show…), my emotions can be described only as “Ecstatic Joy“. I’m sure you know the feeling. You’re submerged in the depth of your creativity, everything just flows, and hours pass without you noticing. Although others might think you’re working hard, you’re not tired at all. You don’t have to eat, sleep or go to the bathroom, and the world could come crashing down without you noticing (or caring).
On the other hand, when I don’t do something I love (or when I do something I love a little bit less), not only do I lose that magical feeling of Ecstatic Joy, I get physically sick. My back hurts, my stomach is upset, I get severe headaches, and my health is all over the place. As soon as I finish the dreadful task, my health is almost magically restored, my energy levels go back, and I stop craving sugar. (And believe it or not, it shows up even in my blood tests that I need to get done regularly to keep my autoimmune issues under control.)
Ecstatic Joy has become my inner success compass, and its voice has recently become so strong that I can no longer ignore it. If I try to, it knocks me out, literally. Therefore, I have decided to simply listen to it. Right now, I’m in the process of wrapping up my two businesses, tying up loose ends and throwing myself completely into the arms of Ecstatic Joy.
Am I scared? Yes. I’m petrified. But at the same time I’m incredibly excited, and I know deep inside that this is the right thing to do. I’m taking the leap. I know I must, because my inner compass is just too loud to ignore.
What about you, fellow writers? What does your inner compass feel like? What does it tell you? Do you listen to it, or do you ignore it?
Discover the book
Discover the Book
Discover the Book
Bravo to you! A great picture by the way. You look terrific. Love the watch! I’ve finally learned to listen to my ‘inner compass’ after all these years of listening to what everyone else thinks should make me happy. It shows in my writing life and my personal life. I love your phrase, Ecstatic Joy. You go girl.
Thank you so much, Mary! Oh, it always takes years of experience, pain and tears to finally realize that this is your life and only you can live it. Setting healthy boundaries, learning to say no, stop waiting for other people’s approval, and finding the courage to follow your heart, there should be classes on these skills already in preschool!
Love all your posts, but especially this one. Good luck with the leap–I have my own quote containing “leap” in my blog header, making us kindred souls. Yes, go with your ecstatic joy, where your heart, body and soul are aligned, where time doesn’t limit.
Thank you for your support and encouragement. Yes, we need to find the courage and leap, dream big and live large. What else is there to do with this precious life, right?
I’m going through the same transition; it’s comforting to know I’m not alone. I left a corporte job a few years ago due to health problems that were really my soul saying, “no more”–but I brought some of those same soul-stiffling habits into my work at home. Now, here I am with the back problems, sleep disorder… just the mention of certain people or situations can make me literally sick in my stomach.
I’m also in the process of finishing up with my current work and tossing myself into the great unknown and, yes, I’m scared. I have no plan, just an intense need to follow my creativity and give all my wild ideas a chance.
Thank you for sharing your supportive inspiration
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experience, I really appreciate it. I know change is scary, but sometimes we just feel there’s no other way. Following your soul’s calling takes courage, resilience and patience, but, as my friend says, life is no dress rehearsal, and it needs to be lived. Back problems, sleep disorder, toxic people… Yes, been there, done it, got the t-shirt
I totally understand you, and I applaud you for your ability to listen to your body and taking the leap. When you jump, you never fall – you just spread your wings and fly!