I believe that we’re all vessels. But in order to be a vessel, we have to breathe, listen, and do.
Lately, there’s been a lot on my mind personally and professionally. With Summer coming to a close, giving way to crisp mornings and chillier evenings, it’s a strange time. For the first time in my life, I won’t be starting school again. Matty forewarned me about it and now I understand – it verifies that I’m actually an adult now.
Wait, what? It seems like yesterday I was choreographing Spice Girls dances with my girlfriends.
Yesterday, in between jobs one and two, I took a walk. I needed to be in nature and make a plea to God and the Universe. There are a lot of things that I want to do – I have a lot of goals lined up for the future – and I’m feeling super jumbled. Thoughts like, “What do I do next?” “What is going to make me the most money, so I’m not living paycheck to paycheck?” “What is going to allow me to save and, eventually, get a place of my own?” “What is the right thing to do?” ran through my head.
Problem: I’m not going to get anywhere asking all of those questions. It’s all me, me, me and numbers, numbers, numbers – neither of which are tickets to fulfillment. Durrr.
Not ONCE did I ever think, “What is Your will for me?” “What will bring me the most happiness while serving the betterment of others?”
So, I walked, asked the above questions, and got some answers. Then, I casually laid in the grass and daydreamed. I sound like such a hippie. 
Really, though, once I took the time to surrender myself as a vessel – to ask what my Higher Power really wants me to do for others – it all came together. Like clockwork. It’s not going to happen overnight and it won’t be a seamless transition but I know what the next move is going to be and that’s really comforting.
Once we allow ourselves to surrender and open ourselves up to receiving answers from something greater than ourselves, we eliminate two things that will always try to hold us back: fear and control. When we listen to our Higher Power – whatever that may be for you – we are no longer fearful because we are listening to our internal guide’s wishes; our true place of fulfillment. Likewise, when we listen to our Higher Power, we eliminate control. We’re no longer trying to control the situation, which means we’re no longer clouding our minds and losing sight of what it is we’re meant to do.
I encourage you, whenever you’re feeling lost or confused about your next move, to surrender yourself and shut off your mind. Offer yourself up as a vessel and ask your Higher Power what your next move should be. Ask how you can be a vessel – a gateway of love to serve others – so that you can grow, learn, and inspire.
Close your eyes. Breathe, listen, do.
Stay lovely,
Heather
I find that the sun helps me better with meditation. This is because light reduces stress hormones like adrenaline. Bag breathing in a paper bag will also help make meditation more seductive.
It’s so funny that you mention this, since I feel like I’m in a similar place! And yesterday I did the same, I went for a walk, laid in the grass in a park, and tried to let go of the feeling of trying to control my future. Decided to try to make more of an attempt to enjoy the process and let the universe unfold as it should! Sometimes I get so caught up in trying to make everything work right this second, then get depressed and burnt out when it isn’t happening the way I want it to! Cheers to letting go and letting things happen in their own time
Wow, Kim. Are we long lost sisters or something?! I love everything about your comment. You’re the living it, girl. Keep on keepin’ on! <3 xoxo
I think it’s the plague of the 20′s!!!
Great post! It is so true. Letting the universe do it’s thing is so much wiser in the long run too. I have to keep reminding myself to do this.
Awww BB – I really like this post. I can tell it comes from your heart and I can pretty much hear you saying these words to me! I totally wish that you were visiting when that church on Main St is still doing their outdoor services because I feel like that’s something you’d really enjoy. I always feel so much more content and less apt to try controlling everything when I’m outside. I’m not really sure what kind of Higher Power I may/may not believe in, but I also know I believe that I need to stop putting my next move and my next decision on myself at all times, because then I can stop feeling pressure to make every decision perfect. I just love this!
That outdoor church service really does sound so heavenly, Cait. I wish I could have made it too. It’s okay, though. There’s always next year!
You’re on the money with everything you said. Just breathe and enjoy the ride, babe. Greater things are in store for you! I know it!
And this is what led me to quitting my full time job as a marketing coordinator to return to study nutritional therapy…following my heart which I believe is the key to happiness. I’ve worked for two years full time having completed my degree and I thought that nice paycheck would be enough…it wasn’t!
Yes! You’re the perfect example of what I was talking about in this post, Michelle. I’m so happy for you following your heart. <3
Your posts are always so serene – I love them!
Awww Linz!!! Thank you, babe. You’re the sweetest. Good luck on your 10K today!
This post was just what I need to see! I have been struggling lately in the endless hunt for a job that I will not only love but will also be successful for me! The job market is not easy out there right now and despite my current situation this post made me calm and hopeful that everyone will work out as it is supposed to!
I totally understand, Danielle. The nutrition world sans RD is very challenging. I totally recommend doing some more self reflection in complete solitude. You WILL find the answers!
Such a beautiful post, Heather. I swear we are twins because I was JUST having this conversation with my family today. We were talking about what our purpose in life is, why we are here on this earth. God has a plan for all of us (I believe) and we just have to figure out what that is. Love this and love you!
Amen, amen, amen. I love your energy and positivity, girl. That’s why we clicked so instantly. You’re going to make your dreams come true – I know it. This internship is just the beginning!
A while ago I saw this quote somewhere, it said “Let go and let God…” I remember thinking at the time, “let God what???” It wasn’t until a few months ago while I was in a situation similar to yours, where I felt lost and unsure, that the quote made sense to me. I had to let go and stop trying to control everything and let God lead the way, I know it might sound corny to some. I found that as soon as I stopped trying to control things everything just fell into place. I too believe God has a plan for us and it isn’t always the same plan we have for ourselves but maybe it is even better.
That’s one of me favorite quotes too, Jody! It’s so simple that, I think, to your point, we sometimes let the meaning of it slip away. Beautiful comment. I read it twice.
Beautiful post love
I have not yet had it hit me about not returning to school, but I know it will eventually. The way this new job fell into place right at the time where I would be returning to school, I truly feel I owe it all to God in the way it worked out. I am so happy and thankful right now! And it will all work out for you too! You have a BIG future ahead of you girl! Love you!
You’re so blessed! And I couldn’t be happier for you starting your new job. You deserve all the success in the world. Love you!!!
Wow, this post fit exactly in with how I have been feeling lately. I also will not be starting school (except for an online course) and working in a “big girl” job which I do love and appreciate but does not fulfill me like I would hope. There is so much I want to do and include in my life and perhaps I need to do some pondering myself
, beautiful post Heather, I’m bookmarking this one <3.
Thank you so much, Melissa! I really do recommend some pondering. Think deep – don’t be afraid to go there – and listen to your inner guide. Great things are in store for you, babe! xoxo
Such an amazing post, and I admire your decision to be still and BE in the moment. I have really been struggling lately when I think about my future and where I should go with my career, I wish I had some answers! I appreciate your honestly and for challenging me to stop, breathe, listen, and do!
Aww, Ashley! Good Lord, I love you so much. Breathe and be open to patience and change.
Reading this, I could tell how heartfelt it was. I probably have a different conception of religion (and come from a different religious background) than you, but it still spoke to me in an important way. Over the last few months, I’ve realized a lot about listening, versus planning. Thanks for this post.
This makes me so happy, Jordan! I”m so happy that, despite our religious differences, we can still take inspiration from each other. Truly a beautiful thing.
xoxo
This is amazing! I have felt JUST the same (in my own atheistic little way). I was so panicked about the next step in my career – my confidence was undermined, and every time I made a mistake, I crumbled. Then I tried something new and scary and guess what – I’m a natural at it! It was this crazy turning point in just a few minutes of my life. Suddenly my career shot off in a new direction, and even though I’m trying something completely new, I feel such a sense of relief and confidence. I’m so glad you’ve found that, too!
That’s amazing, Patti! I’m so happy for you.
Love, love! Beautiful words from a beautiful person. You know we think in the same ways.
I have been struggling a lot with what I want from my future and where I want to go in life, but I’m hoping that truly believing and listening to myself I will find the answers. Just to be still, and be in the moment and I will be successful just by listening to myself, instead of focusing on just the money aspect of things. We need to believe in ourselves first and foremost! Love you!xox
We DO think the same way. Sigh. We’re such twinsies.
Your comment is so true and beautiful. Love it and love you!
Why does it seem like we’re always going through the exact same things? It’s crazy.
This post encompasses everything that I’ve been thinking about and experiencing recently and I couldn’t agree more with your outlook. When we finally step back and just let life happen, beautiful things occur.
You’re writing is gorgeous, as always. <3
You’re gorgeous – as always! Hehe. See what I did there?
Love you, Emily!
best. post. ever. I love you hunnie. Seriously, this post excites me to no end! I can totally relate to you too, though! It’s that time… my last year. You know yourself have crazy it is with applications, etc. So, I don’t know what I’m up to either and feel all jumbled up, too!
Thanks for the inspiration, my love! I love you and you are beautiful inside and out xoxo
OH, my Meg!!! Your comment made my morning. I just love you – and know that you can relate to all of these post-grad feelings. The last year of school is always so crazy transformative. If you ever need anything, I’m ALWAYS here babe. Love you!
That is a beautiful post (and a beautiful selfie-you’re so good at that!). Now you’re asking the right questions and therefore you will get the right answers.
[...] the Love of Kale~Breathe, Listen, Do: Heather talks about taking a moment to [...]