When I first watched The Power of Myth at the age of 12 (what can I say, I have a cool mom), most of Joseph Campbell’s truth bombs about life, death, and purpose flew right over my little noggin. But as I’ve grown older, experienced difficult life trials, and been presented with ever more responsibilities and social expectations, his advice to “follow your bliss” has become increasingly powerful. Like everyone, I’ve made the mistake of getting caught up in jobs, relationships, and habits that don’t benefit myself or the world, but thanks to Joe’s advice, I’ve always managed to snap myself out of unfulfilling cycles and get back on track by asking myself, “Are you following your bliss or just doing what’s easy and expected of you?”
“If you do follow your bliss you put yourself on a kind of track that has been there all the while, waiting for you, and the life that you ought to be living is the one you are living. Follow your bliss and don’t be afraid, and doors will open where you didn’t know they were going to be.” ~Joseph Campbell, The Power of Myth
Whatever it is you truly want to do in life—whether it’s starting a new language, quitting a high paying job to do something more fulfilling, or leaving a destructive relationship—do it today. Don’t wait for the right time and don’t wait for permission; both will never come. Yes, you might piss some people off. Some people will be let down. But those that really matter will respect you for having the guts to follow your bliss and do what you’re on this earth to do.
Set aside some time everyday to do the things that really matter to you and have the greatest impact on your health, happiness, family, friends, and community. If you truly don’t have time, create it through prioritizing what really matters (see 14) Most Things Make No Difference; Focus Only on What Does).
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