Lost & Not Found: My 'Thing'.
Written by Layla Murrihy
We're living in a digital age, where a single viral video can completely change your life.
We're living in a digital age, where a single viral video can completely change your life.
Where the 9-5 norm is no longer the only option to succeed.
Instead of climbing the corporate ladder, people are taking that 'thing' that makes them unique - and turning it into so much more.
From make-up-gurus, and budding home cooks to fashion enthusiasts - people are taking what was once considered just a hobby and turning it into a career, or even a side hustle.
And don’t get me wrong - it’s great to see people living out their dreams. Great to be living in a world where the term ‘success’ isn’t defined by holding down a high-paid office job.
But the perspective I write here in front of you isn’t for those among us who may have already found their thing, it’s for those of us who haven’t.
I won’t lie, when I see others take their 'thing' and achieve great success, I can’t help but take it as a reflection of my own mediocracy.
Whether it's someone with a unique talent: painting, singing, or dancing, or that one person who just happens to be able to do it all. Either way, this adds another layer of urgency to find my 'thing' and make it snappy!
Trust me, I've tried it all. I can only draw stick figures, sing like my toe is being stepped on, and have racked up a lot of participation medals in my time.
I've spent countless moments in defeat, declaring that I must not have this wonderous and unique 'thing' we’re all searching for, genuinely fearing that I might not be that passionate about anything.
The conversation of self-loathing would go along the lines of:
“Sure, you have hobbies, a job you like, you're a happy person, but you just don’t have that thing! You know… the thing that will give your life purpose.”
Let’s be real - how many people have found what I’ve described?
We let the pressure of finding our 'thing' weigh us down. But we also allow this pressure to distract us from doing the things we actually enjoy.
Instead, we waste our time taking 'What Is My Thing' quizzes, hoping Buzzfeed will uncover some hidden talent for us (yes, we’ve all been there!). Unfortunately, you won’t find the answer to your life’s purpose by taking an online quiz - you may not even find it all.
Sometimes, it honestly feels like we are rushing towards something that we aren’t even sure exists!
Our 'thing' may not be out there - but our hobbies, things we enjoy, the passions we already have - they are. Whether it’s your work, your health, or even just the little things from reading or cooking.
So do me a favour, and release the weight of guilt hanging around your shoulders. If you are still learning, growing, and figuring out what you truly love to do - you are exactly where you're meant to be.
Try to ignore the outside noise demanding we uncover this elusive, burning passion simmering deep within, transform it into a budding and successful career, and love every second of life - all before the age of 25 if possible!
Instead, trust the process. The process where discovering and learning more about ourselves and our passions is not governed by time or deadlines - its literally a life-long journey.
