A calling. An avocation. A pet project. A wildest dream. A compulsion.

Sometimes we think that hearing voices in our heads is a sign of mental illness. Other times we treat these inner voices as valued counselors who are trying to lead us to a better path. Let’s discuss the latter.

Many of us take jobs because we need income or because we think these jobs would be good or honorable things to do. Maybe we’re planning to get an MBA or a Law degree because of peer pressure or to meet the expectations of friends and family.

And sometimes we get these compulsions to do something different. Maybe they sound like voices talking to us. Perhaps they are merely urges or intuitive flashes to compel us to investigate other paths. You take up a hobby, a sport, or join some new group to try to satisfy this new want.

You might take up blogging. Do you really know why?

In my case, I sometimes wonder how I came to develop this habit of pumping out words and images on a regular basis, especially since it has very little to do with my day job. My current hypothesis is that, indeed, I’m following some kind of calling. Some people believe they receive some kind of message or calling and decide to pursue a religious vocation. Others go into business, sports, politics, or some other profession.

I’ve never heard an inner voice that said, “You must write.” It’s more of a case of trying something, finding it fulfilling, and continuing to do it. And yet… sometimes it’s closer to being an addict, having a hunger to satisfy and feeling pangs when you can’t or don’t write. Or is it more like the guilt you feel when you cheat on your diet or skip going to the gym? Good question.

Maybe it is a calling after all. During the better times it feels like I’m making tiny steps towards a shining city in the far distance, or a worthwhile goal of some kind. Like I’m on a journey to find me, wherever I am. Or will be. Or want to be. Or need to go to. Maybe I’ll find you there, too.  At any rate, I’m learning a lot, meeting new people, and building some important skills.

Is this calling something that I can follow towards a vocation or an income?  Too early to tell, perhaps.

This post is a bit spacey and abstract (already recommitting one of my 2008 mistakes, tsk tsk) but this is somewhat nebulous stuff, you know?

But enough about me. Why do you blog, podcast, make video, or otherwise create content? Are you following a calling? I’d really like to know.

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