This guest post is by Laura Townshend of BigGreyHorse.com.
When I was a little girl, all I wanted to do was ride horses and write. I took the obligatory ballet, gymnastics and piano lessons my mother enrolled me in. I enjoyed the activities, but my heart wasn’t completely in it. Horses won first place and writing came in as a close second.
My parents said that both were nothing more than hobbies.
That was the ’60s, when fathers worked outside the home and mothers managed households and raised children. My father was an entrepreneur who traveled the majority of the time. Somewhere deep within, his business and the way he approached customers moved me. At an early age, I formed distinct impressions about how to treat the people you do business with. These memories and feelings ended up serving me well later in life, and remain positive aspects today.
Needless to say, I followed the path my parents spoke of. “Get a degree and go into business. Your passions are what make you happy but work is work. When your work is done, you can play with your hobbies.” Even in the ’80s, when I came into the workforce, it was all about making money. There wasn’t too much talk about following your passions or doing what made your heart sing. The Me Generation said money was king, and if you worked hard enough, you would have lots of pretty, shiny things to be happy about.
The deal is this, however. Those pretty, shiny things won’t make you happy unless you feel good about yourself. True happiness is related to your spirituality. And good business keeps spirituality in the forefront.
What I’ve learned since then is that we’re living in different times. It’s not about me or you, it’s about us. How can I help you? How can I further your dreams while reaching my own? How will we help each other? Good business people know that the way to attract and retain customers is through outreach. If making money is the only point, you won’t be in business for long.
Your spiritual base is the key. Religious affiliation doesn’t matter as much as how you relate to yourself and others. It’s what’s in your heart that matters. If you possess a kind heart, you won’t mind helping others succeed, too. Truly, there is no competition. We get what we manifest, albeit positive or negative.
If you’re in business to make a quick buck, you might achieve those results. On the long road, however, what happened? Did your customers come back for seconds? Were they pleased with the transaction? Did you walk away feeling good about what you did?
Today’s world grows smaller every second. This is an amazing time. I’m so glad to be part of the New Age, even if it frightens me somewhat. It seems that everyone has something to say—or maybe it’s that I can see what people think and feel due to instantaneous communications. Sometimes it’s also impossible to measure whether people are truly in need or just trying to scam.
Many years down the road, I write copy and ride my horse. I consider myself to be one of the lucky people who ended up doing exactly what she loved. Even better, I am paid to do what I love, which pays for my horse and the people and things in my life. It’s too late to wonder what would have happened had I followed my passions as I came into adulthood.
What matters is that I am here, now. The past seven years have been absolutely divine, and they keep getting better and better as I remain true to myself and my passions. I’m lucky to have saved those fabulous impressions my entrepreneurial father left upon me. I’m also lucky that I was brave enough to leave the nine to five and strike out on my own.
I couldn’t do it without the wonderful clients I’ve worked with, my family’s support, and some really amazing mentors and friends.
Stay true to your heart. Do the right thing. Build and grow your business. It?s easier than ever to work from home and be an entrepreneur. Just be sure you’re in it to help others, to give back, and to be a strong presence. Your business with flourish when you inject a healthy dose of spirituality into it.
Laura Townshend is a blogger and copywriter. You?ll find her hanging out at BigGreyHorse.com or taking a ride on Newspaper Taxi (the big, grey horse). Follow her @BigGreyHorse on Twitter.
About Guest Contributor
Thank you Laura. This is a great piece of humble pie! I agree that spiritual fulfillment and being in service of others brings us wealth and greatness that money can’t achieve.
You are most welcome, Nicoline! It’s a good feeling to be able to help…everything I’ve done in the corporate world, and in my business, is about helping others. When I’m able to assist folks and support my dreams, too, it’s pure magic.
The intangible wealth is a by-product of good business. 😉 And you are correct…it means so much. You can’t buy it, but you’re sure to receive it if you follow the right paths.
Thanks for reading!
Laura, what a lovely post and very encouraging. I thought I went on to do what I loved only to realize that it wasn’t what I really loved but the idea of what I could do that I loved. I’m still working to find my true passion. It’s reading about people like you who have since found a way to do what they love that keeps me working every day toward finding a way to live my true passion.
Thank you very much,
Sara
Thank you so much, Sara. It can take awhile to determine what you love, I think. Some of us know from early on what we were born to do, and other people discover their passions along the way. Doesn’t matter when you figure it out, I think the journey is what counts! Believe me, I’ve faced obstacles and also went down different roads through the years. The core of what I wanted was always there, though, and what I did was a great learning experience, just like you.
Keep after it, have fun and enjoy each step. 🙂 You can do it!
It’s never, ever too late.
Owning your own business, working from home isn’t an easy path…but it’s so darn rewarding in so many ways. I’d rather give up some extravagance to make do with less money than I’d make in the corporate world than hate my job every morning and have a million dollars in my bank account.
I totally agree, Alli. The amazing aspect of being self employed is your income has no limit. However, when you start, times can be lean. Been there, done that. For what I do as a writer, it’s all about marketing…constantly.
The freedom to make my schedule, be with family and take care of my youngest daughter while she’s finishing high school is amazing. I work longer hours, however, than I did as an employee!
Like you, I wouldn’t trade this for the world. It feels right and it feels good. 🙂
Thank you for reading!
Laura,
Great post. I so wish more people would simply believe they could pursue their passions. I’m pleased to say I’ve always pursued my passions, and always been largely happy with my careers. I recently switched careers into something that was an even better fit for me. I’d encourage Sara and other readers to continue to work toward doing what they love. It’s only through trial, error and time do you get closer and closer to working in your natural passions. I don’t believe there’s one “perfect” job that fits your passions, but many that increasingly match your natural interests, which can change somewhat over time. And the only way to really move toward your most fulfilling work is to try stuff, both through work, but also through volunteering etc.
Yes, yes and yes! You’ve said it well, Patrick! 🙂
Throughout my career, sometimes it seemed I wasn’t working my purpose. When I look back, however, I was right on track. Every step led me forward (even when it felt like I was moving backwards) and took me to where I am today. What’s exciting is thinking about what the future holds. I believe we can plan it, but sometimes those surprises in life give us more than we expected in the most beautiful ways. (Hint: always look for the good things!)
It’s magical to put on different attire and “try out” a new career, trend, lifestyle, hobby, etc. Thing is, we’re not being graded — it’s up to us to decide what fits and what doesn’t.
Thanks for the thoughtful comment and congratulations on your career switch!
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interested in hearing. Either way, great site and
I look forward to seeing it improve over time.
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