Choosing Your Soul Challenge
Remember when you were 8? What you wanted to be and do? What you laid awake at night thinking about? Do you remember the music that rang true to your soul?
If you are (like me) a *few* years past 8, you know much of our dreaming has changed; but there’s a fundamental kernel of knowing that what developed in those early days still remains. We probably didn’t realize it at the time, but when we were drawn to things we LOVED and were focusing on them, we were being intentional about how we wanted to create ourselves.
So where the heck did that go??
Nowhere, as it turns out. It’s been sitting in your heart all this time, waiting for you to let it out.
Now, of course, some of those old visions might look a little silly. I wanted to see the Beatles in concert (well, I still want that.) I wanted to ride and own horses and be a prima ballerina who wore big, fluffy tutus (I’m sorry, but those things are just inherently silly.) I could spend an entire day swimming. I wanted to write and tell stories. I wanted to make my own bedtime and not go to school. I wanted to be independent.
When I go back to those desires and look past the surface, I can see the seeds that grew into who I am today. I’m strongly connected to music (I even married a musician), I love animals, I like to be the star (sometimes), I make my own bedtime (usually) and I am an independent writer. Dr. Ben was drawn to Frisbees, kites, and anything that rides the wind…he even loved the sound of wind chimes. He took that feeling of wind-in-your-face freedom and used it to create children’s music. Now he has songs that can free children’s minds…even when their bodies keep them earthbound.
So what does that have to do with choosing your soul challenge? (And what is that, anyway?)
A soul challenge is sort of a whittled-down version of a bucket list. Start by letting yourself go back to that 8-year-old you: remember the music you listened to and the dreams you dreamed and the things you loved (yes…even that white musical jewelry box with the pink satin lining and the ballerina that popped up when the music started playing.) What seeds of self were planted then? Take a look at what’s grown from them and let that inspire your soul challenge.
Here are some examples to get you started:
One friend I know has always felt drawn to her Scottish roots, so her soul challenge is to visit there and explore her ancestry. Another friend had flying dreams as a child, so he added skydiving to his soul challenge. My mom loved balloons growing up, so when she turns 80, she wants to ride in a hot air balloon! Remember my love of swimming and animals? My soul challenge is to swim with dolphins in the wild.
Your soul challenge is your sacred trust with yourself. It’s the promise you make to your inner child…and it keeps your spirit alive and joyous.
Find it. Nourish it. Accomplish it.
Go big or stay small. There’s no right or wrong. And it’s never too late.
Oh, and by the way…I still want to meet the (remaining) Beatles.
Dream On,
~Michelle
What music inspires your soul challenge? Tell us below! Here’s mine (obvi!):
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