A funny thing has happened since I left my corporate job. I had thought since I was leaving to pursue a calling closer to my heart that it would translate into feeling happier. I thought that spending more time with my kids, more time coaching, more time writing, would mean that I’d be easily blissed out. I had wanted those things for such a long time, after all.
But bliss has not been the case. And ease…well, ease is nowhere to be found.
This new life is harder! I am totally surprised to find myself even more tired than flying around during my corporate job while juggling family. And being more tired means less time to actually feel happy. It’s like I traded happiness for more meaning. Because how I’m spending my time these days is certainly wildly meaningful to me.
After turning it over in my mind a while, I’ve come up with this reason. It’s because at my old job there was a lot of work to do. I was volume-busy. Which is taxing.
But following one’s heart means working a more soulful angle. And soulful work is soulfully-taxing. You pour so much of yourself into it and that’s exhausting on a whole different level.
Solution? Even more space and room for recharging. Building in even more breathing room so that you can jump back in focused and energized.
Why does this work? Because happiness is something to allow, not something to pursue and acquire. Happiness bubbles up when we leave room for it. Joy is effervescent and gives off happiness fizz if we just allow it.
So if you’re chasing a dream, or soulfully working your buns off (on the job or at home), don’t forget to leave some extra space. Because you deserve your happiness fizz.
Have you traded happiness for meaning before? I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments.
Great post, Jen. Happiness/Happy must be the theme this week. I too am writing a post on “happy & healthy” and how that prayer I once prayed frequently has changed. Joy really is the a deeply satisfying experience that can be had even in the midst of suffering and pain sometimes. It brings a deeper resonance to a life more closely in tune with purpose, meaning and fulfillment.
I love your heart and willingness to be vulnerable. Agreed, leaving a good corporate job with busy-ness and security in pursuit of something richer doesn’t always provide on-going moments of blissful happiness. But boy it’s satisfying! Keep up your good work- and fizz. You are amazing!
Thanks, Stephanie! I love your insights on joy. Thank goodness for the joy that we can find even in the tough times!