One Journey, Multiple Callings

The Book On Embracing Life's Many Paths

Unsplash Photo Credit: Tim Swann

Finding one's life calling is a journey that resonates deeply with so many of us. It's a quest not just to do something meaningful, but to become someone who embodies their truest self. 

I remember vividly a conversation I had years ago with a stay-at-home mom of three while waiting for a flight from Dallas Love Field. She confided in me her struggles with finding purpose and meaning amidst the chaos of raising children. 

Sensing her yearning for something more, I recommended "Callings: Finding and Following An Authentic Life" by Gregg Levoy, a book that had profoundly impacted my own search for meaning.

Levoy's book is a revelation, emphasizing the idea that we don't just have one singular calling in life. Instead, we have the opportunity to embrace multiple callings throughout our lifetime. 

This concept was a beacon of hope for the mom, who felt her identity was solely defined by her role as a parent. Levoy's insightful observations suggest that a calling can be to do something like changing careers or going back to school, or to be something – more creative, less judgmental, more loving.

My own journey mirrors this philosophy. After years of shifting careers and roles, it was only at the age of 56 that I discovered my true calling. This realization came not as a sudden epiphany but as a culmination of various lives lived, each teaching me something valuable and guiding me closer to my authentic self.

Levoy’s book is more than just a guide; it's a call to introspection. How do we know if we are following our true callings? This question is central to understanding our life's purpose. 

The book encourages readers to sharpen their senses, cutting through everyday distractions to hear the calls that beckon us. It implores us to ask fundamental questions: 

How do we recognize a true calling? 

How do we differentiate it from a mere fleeting desire? 

How do we overcome our resistance to pursue it? 

And importantly, what happens when we embrace it, or when we turn away?

Drawing from a wealth of stories of individuals who have heeded their own calls, Levoy illustrates the myriad ways to translate a calling into action. His writing is not just informative but poetic and passionate, making the reading experience both enjoyable and deeply insightful.

One of the most powerful aspects of Levoy's approach is acknowledging the mystery surrounding callings. He does not propose a one-size-fits-all solution but rather guides the reader through a personal journey of discovery. 

This journey involves not just listening to external calls but also understanding our internal responses and emotions. It's about finding that delicate balance between our desires and our duties, our dreams, and our realities.

Moreover, Levoy's book is a testament to the transformative power of embracing our callings. It shows how answering these calls can lead to a life of authenticity and personal power. 

For the stay-at-home mom, this message was hopefully transformative, one where she would have seen her role not as a limitation but as a part of her larger journey. While we didn’t remain in touch, my greatest wish is that she had the opportunity at some point in her life journey to explore her interests and passions, which were on hold. That she slowly found avenues to express herself beyond her role as a mother.

This is the crux of Levoy's philosophy: our callings are not just about doing; they are about becoming. They are about evolving into the person we are meant to be, at different stages of our lives. For me, finding my calling later in life was not a delay but a culmination of experiences that shaped me.

"Callings" is not just a book; it's a companion for anyone on the journey to self-discovery. It teaches us that our callings are varied and evolving, just like us. It shows that it's never too late or too early to listen to what our heart desires, to what life is calling us to be. 

Whether you're a young professional, a stay-at-home parent, or someone at the twilight of their career, this book has a message for you: Your callings are waiting, and they're as unique and beautiful as your life's journey. 

Embrace them.

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