Sometimes they just don’t get it.
You sense that there’s something out there for you, something better. You believe you can find work you would actually enjoy and be good at, and that would help you make a positive difference in the world.
But others around you don’t seem to understand.
They don’t get why you can’t stay in your current job. Shouldn’t you feel lucky to have one at all?
Or if you’re not working, they don’t understand why you don’t just take the first job you can find. Why are you taking so long to decide what to do?
They don’t understand why this is such a big deal to you. They don’t get why you worry so much about your next step. They don’t know why you’re so picky, or unhappy, or unsure of what you want.
It can be hard when our loved ones don’t understand us. My own family and friends try to be very supportive, but there are still times when they don’t understand what I do or why I do it.
Their intentions are good as they point out the risks in my plan or question my reasoning, but it hurts when they don’t get it. I’m a human being, wired to be social, evolved to care about what others think of me.
Which is why it helps to understand that we all have a different truth inside of us, and we all wake up to it at different times.
Why Nobody Understands Me
If you feel the call to do something more with your life, you’re beginning to tune into a powerful fact about yourself: you are here to do more than earn a salary or achieve what others think you should.
We all have incredible gifts to give the world that change it in powerful and positive ways. We all have an innate joy within us waiting to be released when we follow our own truth and discover what the world is calling for from us.
And we all wake up to this truth in our own time.
Sometimes others don’t understand because they haven’t yet woken up to their own call. They’re not yet in touch with what’s true and alive within them and still find contentment in doing what they think they should.
Other times our courage ignites the fears of our loved ones. They fear failure, humiliation, or rejection and don’t understand that our desire to contribute is bigger than all of that.
Sometimes others forget that their truth is different than our own. They forget that we all have something different to offer the world, and thank goodness, or else we wouldn’t have ways of meeting all the world’s needs.
Why It’s a Good Thing. Really.
Our culture teaches us that success is earning a certain amount of money, or wielding a certain amount of power, or impressing a certain number of people.
The truth is, we are capable of so much more than this.
If you feel like nobody understands you, please know that this is a good thing. You are waking up to what truly matters in life; you’re finally hearing your own inner guidance, which will show you how to change the world in a way that only you can.
What to Do About It
Being different is hard, but the good news is, your happiness doesn’t have to depend on what others think.
You are an expert in your own truth. Learn about that truth, discover its subtleties, and let it guide you–this process will bring you great joy, regardless of how others respond.
The next time somebody questions the path you’re on, remember that you’re walking the path less traveled, and that’s a great road to be on.
See if you can lovingly wish for the other person to hear their own calling as soon as they’re ready. Or try to feel empathy for the great fear behind their doubts. Or get curious about what’s true for them that makes them think this way, and what part of that might not be so true for you.
Above all, remember that somebody out there does understand you.
Often our loved ones support us more than we give them credit for, if we share with them openly and hear them out.
But even if they don’t, there are many others who are waking up to the same truth you are. I promise you they’re out there, because I talk to them everyday.
It’s just a matter of finding them.
Connect With Others Like You
Want to find people who get you?
Pathfinders: A Group Hike and Discussion to Discover Your Calling is starting next month.
You’ll go on a beautiful walk through the woods. You’ll have meaningful conversations with others who, like you, are trying to discover what they’re meant to do in this world. You’ll receive lots of support for identifying and taking next steps towards work you love.
Click here to find out more and to register so you can connect with people who really get you.
Over to You
What don’t others seem to understand about you? How do you handle it? Where do you go to find your tribe?
Your thoughts help others, so please share them!
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Thanks for sharing such a simple, inspiring post. Sometimes we’re looking for the lists of the ‘7 Things You Must Do To Fix Your Life’, but other times all we want is some empathy and encouragement –that’s what this particular post is all about!