Stacey Mathews
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Searching For Meaning

1/12/2015

2 Comments

 
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   Whether it is a conscious endeavor or a subtle intention running in the background, I believe that we are all searching for our place and meaning in the world. Today I am intrigued, pondering about this underlying current to everything that we do.

   What does this journey look like for each of us? How does it affect our daily actions and realizations? For some it is wisdom that unfolds almost effortlessly, like a master of their craft all the puzzle pieces slip into place with little trouble; and for others it is like trying to keep a bunch of marbles in place on a flat board while driving down a bumpy road.
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   Sometimes I feel that we can get a bit too wrapped up in the search, rather than simply recognising our profound affect upon the world around us in each moment. This autumn and winter I found myself getting consumed by that desire to have answers and meaning to what my path should be.

   I sent out many feelers in several directions, everything from verbal inquiries to resumes sent for different positions. I kept hitting dead ends each direction that I turned growing more and more frustrated and persistent in the search along one specific path. I finally metaphorically threw my hands in the air and decided to not try any more. Of course after that moment things began to fall into place, but in a totally different direction.
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   I had been avoiding working towards making a living doing the things that I am passionate about, because it all seemed so overwhelming. It turns out I was looking at the end result of where I wanted to get to, and just couldn't wrap my mind around how to get there. One day it was as if my higher self rolled its eyes and smacked me upside the head. Oh, I can do this in baby steps, I don't have to undertake the whole thing at once. 

   So that is exactly what I did, started with my baby steps towards something that has been lingering in the back of my mind for a few years now. My first step was to order calling cards to carry with me while hiking and exploring this world in other ways. This way I can easily share my information with anyone who seems interested in what I am doing, and create an ongoing connection with others.

   My second leap of faith was to add a donation/sponsorship button and page to my website. This allows others to become involved in my life's explorations on a new level. To be honest it was challenging for me take this step. I have learned that it is often difficult for me to accept gifts, sponsorship, payment, and general generosity from others. I believe that most of the time I question if I am really offering anything of value to others in return for this kindness or transaction. So this was a very large step in the direction of me acknowledging that what I have to offer the world is indeed valuable. I hold no expectations from this addition to my website, but I know that it is now there to fulfill what ever it's purpose is.
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   These might both seem like miniscule accomplishments to most, but I found that it was simply a matter of taking steps forward that build the momentum to start the whole thing rolling. I can feel a renewed sense of excitement and am once again realizing that each and everything that I do adds value to this world, just as we all do. It is just a matter of focusing my intent in what ever direction I want to explore and share. 

   I feel that 2015 is going to be a grand year for me and many others, it shall hold new horizons and more excitement of passions explored. I am reminded with more regularity that there is little point in the act of searching, and great value in simply living your passions and following your truths.
2 Comments
Tyler
1/12/2015 11:03:41 pm

Love this Stacey. Great to see you carrying on with what you're doing and getting more clarity of your path. I think livelihoods are often validated and socially accepted only because of the amount of money that can be made at that particular trade. As if the ability to earn a lot of money was justification for carrying on with that job. (It's a hard temptation to resist.) So many dislike, or even hate their jobs, but carry on out of perceived necessity. You are offering so much more to the world than so many holding "careers" which lack any sort of moral compass or provide no betterment to society or life. The world of civilizations is (mostly) struggling and lost. We need guides like you. I really think that as long as you stick with doing what you love, and are making an effort to share your path with others and offer them something (immaterial), you will be increasingly rewarded and in unexpected ways. Although I love your personal path of nature-connection, you inspire me (and others, I'm sure) to find and follow their own personal paths of love and value, whatever they may be.

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Ian Breuser
1/14/2015 01:23:20 pm

Stacey, don't ever doubt the value of your wisdom gained from your life explorations and doing what you love. Most of us just don't have the courage to leave our jobs/careers behind to just do what we love to do, myself included. Granted, it is hard to put a monetary value on that, but it is worth a try.

Consider that teaching people the value of nature and its healing effect on our souls is a possible life path. Many people seems to forget that in modern society.

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