I'm continuously amazed by the poetic and poignant statements people make as they express their struggle and desire to find work that aligns with who they are.

In a whisper of a voice she said: "I have a yearning." Hearing those words, I released an empathetic sigh and leaned in to hear more of what she had to say. What followed was a dialogue about an intense desire to reclaim a part of herself she had abandoned long ago.

Sometimes we forgo options in life that are more appealing in favor of those choices that allow us to keep our responsibilities or commitments in tact. The choice of the more pragmatic road, while it is satisfying in its own way, can have an impact on us that we do not realize until later in life.

It may not be until you hit 40 or 50 that you notice a pull in a different direction, typically in the work arena. This tug is often vague at first. But, if you give it attention and allow yourself to be curious rather than fearful or discounting, you will begin to get glimpses of what is calling you.

The poet, David Whyte, writes about this experience in his poem "Easter in Wales":

A garden inside me, unknown, secret,
neglected for years,
the layers of its soil deep and thick.
Trees in the corners with branching arms
and the tangled briars like broken nets.

Sunrise through the misted orchard,
morning sun turns silver on the pointed twigs.
I have woken from the sleep of ages and I am not sure
if I am really seeing, or dreaming,
or simply astonished
walking toward sunrise
to have stumbled into the garden
where the stone was rolled from the tomb of longing.

The experience of giving in to a deep longing can be one of the richest in life. But it is important to understand that the path to its discovery is to be appreciated and attended to, much like the garden that is awaiting.

You would be giving yourself a gift in this New Year to ask whether you have a longing. If this resonates, it's likely that as you ask the question, you'll feel it deep within, even before your mind can try to figure out what it is. Work with your images, write down your thoughts and feelings, work gently toward the fulfillment of your longing.

Wishing you all the best for the New Year….

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