The Difference Between Calling and Desire — Follow Your Heart!

Wading4U’s tweet got me thinking about the difference between calling and desire.

Merriam Webster’s online dictionary states:

• Calling – a strong inner impulse toward a particular course of action especially when accompanied by conviction of divine influence
• Desire — to long or hope for

“If you can get paid for doing what you love, every paycheck is a bonus.” (Oprah) — That’s a calling!

“I hate my job but I want fame and fortune.” (Desire) — Where’s the passion, the purpose, the intrinsic motivation?!  Eight hour work day — probably longer – feels like eternity!

Decades ago, I sold my soul to the devil (back when my self-worth was defined by a paycheck).  I worked for two hi-tech companies at two different times — translating and writing corporate brochures, patents, and user manuals.

Was it fun?  Not really; not for me, anyway.  Did the job pay the bills?  Yep.  Corporate politics — pretty ugly.  Was I miserable — absolutely!

I DESERVED IT!

(Humans are resilient.  Many unhappy workers go about their jobs.  Most things are possible when we apply ourselves).

Over the years, my paycheck has taken a steady decline (currently, I’m a part-time Instructional Assistant working 30 hours per week).  In return, I’ve acquired time, happiness, and fulfillment (teach, then go home to my family.  It’s the best)!

(Full time [veteran] teachers work 60-80+ hours.  My hats off to them.  That’s a whole another story, a whole another post.)

I am blessed with a husband (who lets me be me) and two sons (all three, the love of my life).  I wake up every morning — eager to start the day — to learn about the world and insights my grade school students await to share.  We read, learn, and grow — together!

Establishing heart-to-heart-connection with children, working with caring adults to make our world a better place, I know, is my calling.  I can eat, breathe, and sleep kids and education!

I once left this profession for more money; exchanged passion for misery.  Luckily, a force much greater than myself pulled me back — where I belong — and for that, I am eternally grateful.

“If you can get paid for doing what you love, every paycheck is a bonus.”  Right on, Oprah!

What’s your calling?  What’s your passion?  WHAT is your purpose in life?