by Joanna McCormick

What is a “Calling”?

Calling is defined as “a profession or career which someone is strongly attracted to, especially one which involves helping other people” (Collins). Another dictionary (Merriam-Webster) points to “a strong inner impulse toward a particular course of action especially when accompanied by conviction of divine influence”.

Those who consider themselves following their calling seem to be more passionate about what they do, more engaged with life, and as a consequence, often more successful. They also seem more resilient and quicker to bounce back when faced with life’s challenges.

Knowing our calling can not only enrich our life and improve its quality but for those who struggle with lack of meaning and purpose, experience anhedonia (diminished ability to experience pleasure and joy) or struggling with feelings of emptiness, discovering their calling, could be a real turnaround.

Discover Who You Are

Finding out and following our calling in its essence is

• discovering who we are
• what we want and
• starting to walk in that direction.

We can start this   work on our own by journaling, meditation, taking personality tests etc. This alone may be enough to put us on the right path. However, most of us tend to have blind spots – those aspects of self that we are unable to see without some external help.

In counselling, we help by gently lifting layers of build up identity and like peeling an onion, helping you get closer to the core of who you really are.

We could say that underneath all the roles that we play in a society – a mother, a son, a Christian, a Buddhist, a lawyer, a butcher etc. – there lies our true self. What some would call our soul; and what that soul desires most is its calling.

When we align our actions with the desire of our soul, our life takes on a different, much richer and deeper quality.

If you’re wondering if counselling will help you do that – this cannot be guaranteed. However, if you’re wondering if it can help you get to know yourself better, the answer is affirmative. Consequently, as a result of increased self-awareness you will be much more likely to discover your calling.

Contrary to popular belief, counselling can be beneficial not only when we’re on a crossroads, dealing with a crisis or are on the path of healing from past traumas.

Counselling can propel us forward on a path of living a more authentic and fulfilled life, as well as support personal, and even spiritual growth.

If you’ve grappling with the issue of finding your calling for a while, or perhaps you experience what we call ‘a mid-life crisis’, feel miserable in your current job or you simply crave a different, more fulfilling path in life, you can always try talking about it to a counsellor.

Do your research and find someone who has a special interest in issues that bother you, give them a call and see who you can resonate with most and book that first appointment. Who knows – it may be the best thing you’ve done for yourself in a long time.

Written by Joanna McCormick

Joanna offers a holistic and integrative approach, that takes into account your mind, body and spirit as elements in wellbeing. Her work is informed by studies in Philosophy, Peace & Conflict and Counselling.

Click here to learn more about Joanna.