Follow Your Bliss: Pathway to a Rewarding Life
“Follow your bliss and the universe will open doors for you where there were only walls.” – Joseph Campbell
The concept of ‘Follow your bliss’ has been around for a long time, but its purpose and practical implications have been debated by many. In this article, we will delve deep into the meaning of the phrase, understand its importance in living a rewarding life, and learn how to implement it in our everyday lives.
What does ‘Follow Your Bliss’ mean?
‘Follow your bliss’ is a phrase that was coined by Joseph Campbell, an American mythologist, writer, and lecturer. It means pursuing your passions and interests, and doing what makes you truly happy, without worrying about pleasing or conforming to others’ expectations.
Campbell believed that everyone has a purpose, a ‘bliss’, that they are meant to pursue in life. It could be anything – from painting to cooking, writing a book, starting a business, or pursuing a particular profession. According to him, following this ‘bliss’ leads to a fulfilling and satisfying life, which he famously called “the hero’s journey.”
“Follow your bliss and don’t be afraid, and doors will open where you didn’t know they were going to be.” – Joseph Campbell
The Importance of Following Your Bliss
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Fulfills You: When you follow your bliss, you do things that bring you joy and happiness, which ultimately leads to a sense of fulfillment. Doing things for the sake of others’ expectations and social norms can often leave you unfulfilled, restless, and unhappy. Pursuing your passions gives you a sense of purpose and meaning, and fulfills you on a deeper level.
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Fuels Creativity: When you do what you love, your mind is free to explore and innovate, leading to more creativity. This creative energy, in turn, leads to higher levels of productivity and originality.
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Inspires Others: When you follow your passions, you inspire others to do the same. Your passion for what you do is contagious and can encourage others to pursue their own interests and aspirations.
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Cultivates Self-Awareness: Knowing what makes you happy and fulfilled requires a degree of self-awareness and introspection. Following your bliss can help you understand yourself better, leading to personal growth and development.
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Boosts Confidence: When you follow your passions and succeed in what you do, it builds self-confidence. It also makes you more resilient, as you are motivated by your love for what you do, rather than external validation or recognition.
How to Follow Your Bliss
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Identify Your Passions: The first step in following your bliss is to identify your passions and interests. Make a list of the things that excite and motivate you, and that you would love to do every day. This could include anything from writing, dancing, to cooking or gardening.
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Set Realistic Goals: Once you have identified your passions, set realistic and achievable goals for yourself. Break down your aspirations into smaller, achievable steps, and work towards them one step at a time.
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Build Your Skills: Pursuing your bliss often involves building upon your skills and knowledge. Invest in courses, attend workshops, or seek out mentors who can help you grow and develop your skills.
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Take Action: Following your passion requires taking action. Get started on pursuing your interests, even if it means starting small. Remember, every step forward is a step towards achieving your goals.
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Stay Committed: Following your passion can be challenging, and setbacks are common. Staying committed and focused on your goals is key to overcoming challenges and staying motivated. Don’t give up on your dreams, even if it takes time and effort to achieve them.
“There is no end to the adventure we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open.” – Jawaharlal Nehru
Bottom Line
Following your bliss is about pursuing what makes you truly happy and fulfilled, without fear of judgement or failure. It is a journey of self-discovery, growth, and fulfilling your purpose in life. Pursuing your passion can be challenging, but staying focused on your goals and taking action is the key to achieving them. Remember, following your bliss is not just about personal happiness, but an opportunity to inspire and motivate others to pursue their own passions and aspirations. So, follow your bliss, and let the universe open doors for you on your journey to a rewarding life.