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| Explore - Long Sands, York, ME - Cal Shook |
“You don’t ‘just know’ what you calling is. You must listen for clues along the way, discovering what your life can tell you. Awareness comes with practice.” – Jeff Goins
Clue #1: An Inner Yearning
When I was eight my cousin Mary Ann was born with Down syndrome. A few weeks later my brother Jay was born. There were complications, during delivery, where we almost lost both of them. Days later, Mom and Jay returned home. Mom’s recovery would take time; Jay appeared unharmed.
Both Mary Ann and Jay delighted me with their individuality and abilities as they grew. Mary Ann’s beautiful smile and laid back nature plus Jay’s zest for life and rambunctiousness made for unique play time experiences during family gatherings. While observing the two of them something kindled inside of me, a yearning to help people thrive and use their abilities to a live a happy and fulfilling life.
Clue #2: A Desire
My first memory of writing:
While a single mom was out working, her three teenagers decided to have a party. Beer was being passed around and at times wound up in the fish tank. Note to self, don’t bring out a pocket sized pad of paper and pen in the middle of a party and start writing. It makes people uneasy and you might not stay very long.
Clue #3: Finding Meaningful Expression
College and working toward a degree in Human Services gave me ample opportunities to serve others then write about the experiences. I enjoy the creative process. When the words flow and provoke a reaction from a reader it stirs my soul. It felt good to get comments like “a unique take” and “creative” in response to my papers.
One of my favorite people to work with and write about was “Berkie” who’s only home for the first 40 years of his life was a state institution. Living conditions were deplorable. Thanks to deinstitutionalization, “Berkie” was sent to a group home. This afforded him ample opportunities to gain social and work relate skills through field trips and attending a sheltered workshop. When I first met “Berkie” he could barely say “yes” and “no”. As experiences heightened his emotions, more words started to come out. “Tree”, “Chop”, and “Big” came out in joyous delight as he expressed his enthusiasm about his first Christmas tree. Then there’s the riding stable where “Berkie” looked a bit nervous as he stared at the horse towering over his small frame. Two of us helped him on. As his body slid into the saddle, he looked down and yelled, “Me Break Neck!”…“Me Break Neck!”. The horse was carefully moved forward and within minutes “Berkie’s” fear turned into joy.
Uncovering the clues: 1. An inner yearning to empower others, 2. A desire to record events, and 3. A pursuit of meaningful expression, have rekindled the writer within.
What is your life telling you? Is there a writer in you? Maybe there’s something else waiting to burst forth? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
Next steps:
Listening to Your Life audio podcast, with “The Art of Work” author Jeff Goins.
Check back next week for: “Accidental Apprenticeships” or "Subcribe" to this blog.
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