Life, with all its twists and turns, offers a canvas upon which we paint our desires, dreams, and cravings. Embarking on the journey to discover what we truly yearn for can be a transformative experience. Finding fulfillment in life (and work) involves bravely undertaking the profound process of finding and embracing the things that resonate with our hearts and souls.
All of this sounds lofty and great, but how do you actually do it? Here are some practices to start uncovering what you truly want from your life.
Self-Reflection
The quest to find what you crave begins with self-reflection. Take a moment to delve into your innermost thoughts and emotions.
- What brings you joy?
- What sparks your curiosity?
- Identify your passions, values, and interests
Answering these questions will help lay the foundation for understanding your cravings that simmer beneath the surface. How so?
Life’s cravings often hide in the corners of curiosity. Allow yourself to explore the uncharted territories of your interests. Whether it’s a new hobby, a subject you’ve always been intrigued by, or an unconventional career path, embracing curiosity opens doors to unexpected treasures. The pursuit of answers can be very revealing and give you a greater depth of self-awareness, which can, in turn, lead to intentional action.
Challenge Comfort Zones
Cravings may be obscured by the safety of routine and familiarity. Challenge yourself to step outside your comfort zone. Growth often happens in the discomfort of the unknown.
Whether it’s trying a new activity, meeting new people, or taking on a challenging project, pushing boundaries can reveal your hidden desires. And despite the fear, trepidation, or hesitancy you may have when you think about doing something outside your norm, you may be surprised to find that breaking free of what’s comfortable elevates your sense of fulfillment.
Set Intentions
Intentionality is a powerful tool in the pursuit of what you crave. It is easy to say “Set clear intentions for what you want to manifest in your life!” It is much harder to do, so here are some tools to consider:
- Reflect. Your past experiences hold valuable lessons, but you might not always take the time to learn from them. What moments have brought you the greatest satisfaction? What have your setbacks taught you?
- Engage in visualization. Imagine your desired outcomes in vivid detail by engaging all of your senses. Where will you be when you achieve your goals? Who and what will be surrounding you? How will you feel? What can you see and smell?
- Journal your intentions on a regular basis. Give yourself a dedicated space and create a ritual for intention-setting. It doesn’t have to take long, you just have to commit to doing it. Revisit and affirm them.
- Align your actions to your intentions so you can take steps toward achieving them – the tiniest of steps make a difference.
- Do the difficult mindset work it takes to believe in yourself and trust the process. This is an area in which a coach can offer support if you struggle to define and change your mindsets.
- Be consistent!
Whether it’s cultivating meaningful relationships, achieving personal milestones, or embarking on a spiritual journey, articulating your desires sets the stage for their realization. Write them down. Say them out loud. Tell your significant other or a friend. Get your intentions out in the world – and you’ll automatically make it more likely that you’ll manifest them.
Emotional Exploration
Sometimes, what we crave is deeply intertwined with our emotions. Explore your emotional landscape.
- What makes your heart race with excitement?
- What stirs a profound sense of fulfillment?
- What lights you up?
I often see a physical transformation in my clients when they’ve done this work, and they don’t even realize when it’s happening. I make it my goal to point it out whenever I see it, so they can gain the benefit of that insight. Understanding the emotional undercurrents of your desires can guide you towards the authentic cravings that align with your true self.
What Matters: Taking Steps Forward
In the pursuit of what you crave, the journey is as significant as the destination. Through self-reflection, curiosity, courage, intentionality, and emotional exploration, you unveil the cravings that resonate with your authentic self. Embrace the adventure of discovering what brings you joy, purpose, and fulfillment, for in that discovery lies the key to a life well-lived. Remember, the canvas of your desires is ever-evolving, waiting for you to paint your most authentic masterpiece.
