How do you feel about desire?
Is it selfish? Dirty? Undeserved? Do you judge yourself for wanting more than you have?
I had put desire on the shelf years ago. It wasn’t a conscious choice. I just got busy. I had my son to care for – I wanted everything in the world for him – the best teachers, experiences, travel, toys – a lifetime of happy memories.
I had my work. I wanted to do well. Make money. Achieve my goals. Dress well. Be noticed. But I can’t say I had any desire toward that.
I had my to-do list – ever growing – that ran me ragged from week to week. I got a lot done. I’m very responsible. But there was an empty hole inside.
I am a Buddhist and for Buddhists, craving is a form of suffering. It’s the difference between being satisfied with where you are and what you have and wishing it were different than it is.
But I believe there is a difference between desire and craving. You can desire something – wish yourself well or wish well for others, without craving and diving into absolute despair over it.
Desire is healthy and freeing. It can burst your heart open and bring you more happiness than you ever dreamed. It’s okay – in fact, it’s necessary to desire to feel fully alive.
It keeps your blood flowing, delights your brain and stimulates your senses. Desire is your birthright.
Desire is not selfish and it doesn’t require compromise. But it does require commitment, recognition, diligence, reflection and action.
Jealousy and comparing yourself to others are desire killers. Lack is the antithesis of desire. Let that go and see what shifts.
About a year ago I came into contact with Danielle LaPorte’s video, A Credo For Making It Happen. It inspired me, activated me and helped me let go of my fears.
Then came The Desire Map, and my heart cracked open. Danielle gave me permission to live based on how I want to FEEL. How do I want to feel?
Goals are great. To-do lists essential. But I want goals with soul.
So today, I’m starting with my core desired feelings and sharing them with you. They might not stay this way forever. As I change, my needs and desires change too. But here they are:
Join me by living your life based on your core desired feelings. To learn more about how you can create your own Goals with Soul, stay connect with me on the The Great Do Over Facebook Group.
