I was almost going to call this post ‘Self Actualisation’ and in some ways it is however, the current title is more apt. I remember at university studying child psychology and learning about Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, of which ‘self actualisation’ is at top of the five stages of need. Simply, it is realising your personal potential and achieving self-fulfilment. I understood this in principal and thought I had achieved this, but truthfully always felt something was lacking. I wasn’t quite there yet as it turns out.
Do you ever wonder whether some days you’re on the right path and doing what you should be? I did and all it took strangely enough, was a temporary position I was in. You don’t know you are going to miss something until its taken from you. I made a conscious decision to keep writing when I got home from work. I did try but it just didn’t work for me. I know lots of people do it and manage it well, but I’m not one of those individuals. My brain doesn’t function well when tired.
The revelation happened when the job was coming to the end and work colleagues were asking what my intentions were when I finished. The answer was simple and honest. I miss writing and will be focussing on finishing my short story with the plan to get it published by Christmas. This is the first time ever in my life I knew this was right. I mean really right. How often does that ever happen? I have no idea because this is a first for me and it is wonderful and liberating.
What did I do to have this happen? Not much really, except accept and acknowledge what I am doing. I am looking forward to whatever happens from here on because I am ready.
Has anyone else have or had similar experiences?
Luciana Cavallaro 