Word Count: 718 words Thanks, Claudette Rowley ===============================

What Calls You?

"It is not, in my estimation, an undue stretch to say that if we are living lives that are wrong for our spirits, and if we say no to calls that could put that spirit to rights, then we, too...are lost souls." - Gregg Levoy from Callings: Finding and Following an Authentic Life

We all know people who have known from birth almost that they had a calling - to be a dancer or parent or salesperson. A calling that had a life of its own, a force that was so strong they couldn't resist it. Here's truth: We all have a calling, several in fact. A calling is a vocation in any area of life: work, relationship, or lifestyle. Our callings or vocations are forces that pull us toward being more authentic - toward lives centered around what we want, and even more important, what we love.

We can be called to DO something, like train as a surgeon, publish a book of short stories or start a non-profit venture. We are equally as likely to be called to BE something as well - more creative, more compassionate or more truthful. Any calling we hear is our natural birthright. No calling is better than another nor is one person more worthy than another to follow their calling.

Here are three very general steps to identifying and following a calling:

- Listen. The universe is constantly asking us to follow our callings. When we don't know what they are, it gives us signs and signals. For example, one client overheard a conversation in a coffee shop that was exactly what she needed to hear at time, as if words were spoken directly to her.

- Respond. Once we've identified a calling, we need to respond "yes or no" to it. Sometimes we answer consciously, and sometimes unconsciously by turning a deaf ear to calling. When we hear calling, but don't respond, universe pushes and prods us.

Are you left with inspiration but no action after hearing, reading, and watching stories about other people who are successful? If so, you're not alone. I've got a question for you: Why watch Oprah when you can be on Oprah instead? Don't you see different guests on her show every day? They're people just like you. They didn't start out on Oprah, they ended up there and it wasn't by luck either. They changed their lives to get there.

Wouldn't you like to experience some of that success for yourself? It's not difficult at all. You just need to learn how to redirect thoughts and energy you're using already. You're getting results, but they may not be results you really want. What Does being a Champion in your life mean to YOU?

Being self-employed?

Making a certain amount of money per year?

Living in city that you really want to live in?

Having more free time?

Having more vacation time with your family?

Living in your dream home?

Having effective communication with your family?

Having relationship you've always wanted with someone who understands you?

Having free time for volunteer work or community service?

Having a family?

Having a deep sense that you're making a contribution to world?

Visiting all cities and countries you've wanted to visit?

Being able to hire a nanny or cleaning person?

Being best mother, daughter, father, son or friend you can be?

Driving car you've always wanted to drive?

Having furniture to fill your dream home?

Writing book you've always wanted to write?

Creating inventions in your head?

Taking action on ideas in your head that never get out of your head?

Being able to hire an interior designer?

Having wardrobe you've always wanted?

Having more closet space?

Having free time to dream and imagine?

Meeting a famous person you've always admired?

Having financial resources to contribute to people and causes you love?

Having a personal trainer?

Getting and staying on track with your diet?

Having a lean toned body?

Learning what you've always wanted to learn?

Going to school to get a degree?

Being best when you do your favorite activities?

Doing things you've always wanted to do but haven't done?

Whatever it is for you, you can have it!