Dr. Chanequa as I prepare to give a workshop this weekend centered in rest and self care based on the things I have learned from Tricia Hersey and yourself, you have come this morning with my sermon for this Sunday and confirmation in a thought I had to share with these women, and helping me to continue on my own journey of rest and self care. Thank you for continuing to do the LAWD’S good work.
I agree that our vocation is no one thing. We are more than what we do and we also are good at more than one thing. We have untapped potential and have the freedom to decide to do something different. Every good work, regardless of what it is, inspires and helps mankind. Even volunteerism, which doesn't bring in a paycheck, makes a huge difference in the lives of other. Thank you for sharing something that we all face at some point in life.
So true. And too often we get ourselves in trouble by trying to do all the things we're good at simultaneously. I wonder, though, if what we need to do is to move beyond the idea of "good work" to "good being."
I'm grateful for your writing! I experienced burnout late last year throughout most of this year, and I’m rebuilding my life and rhythms in a healthier, more sustainable way! Reading the wisdom of others on how to really care for yourself is important to me. I’m grateful for you, Dr. Chanequa, and your willingness to share!
Dr. Chanequa. I am conducting a workshop this weekend on rest and self-care and would like to introduce the participants to your self-care assessment out of Sacred Self Care; how do I gain permission to pass out that resource? I thought it was okay to share it, but when I downloaded it, I saw a statement about having permission to use it. I will also give away one copy of the book Sacred Self-Care at the end of the workshop. I have gifted this book at least four times this year alone.
Yes to all this. I think our calling is ultimately to be our true, whole selves. Not some sliver of ourselves; not a job or a singular role. A I think that self grows and evolves throughout our lives. As I have discovered over and over during the years.
I resonate with this a lot, especially the idea of the evolving self. That's why the idea of vocation as "one thing" doesn't work. It doesn't give room for our evolution.
Wow…. Dr. Chanequa, this concept of vocation is amazing. I’m gobsmacked (I apologize for the word choice - I can’t think of anything more elegant/accurate to describe my reaction to this post. Might I add that I mean gob smacked in the best and most flattering way!) Thank you so much for your beautiful writing which reinterprets the previously angst-ridden connotations of vocation in the light of the fruits of the spirit as a way of BEING, not doing.
Thank you for this!! I've been thinking about this concept recently as it pertains to the notion of God caring about our desires. The 19th Annotation by Saint Ignatius of Loyola has helped to shift my perspective about vocation, voice, and self-care. God cares about our wholeness and thriving. God desires that we are well. Our definition of vocation is connected to our wellness and joy. ☺️
The Ignatian retreat center close to me just started a 9-month program on the 19th Annotation. I missed the application deadline this year but I’m hoping they’ll do it again next year.
Great post! I love what you said about our calling not taking away our free will. We can still live for God and do things for Him but take time to breathe. Thank you so much for sharing!
I enjoy your written comments and meditations and have had the same 'battle' you talk about here most of my life. I keep reminding myself of the first question and answer Christian men composed in 1600's for the Shorter Westminster Catechism. (Forgive the language. When I repeat it to myself I change the pronouns.)
"What is the chief end of man?" and the answer is "Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him forever."
I loved this so much. I'm feeling a bit burnoutish also and as a doctor there's a sense in which this job is supposed to be for life! I can't even think of my vocation not including this job, so this was a great reminder that I carry my vocation with me in every career and space. Thank you ❤️
I’m grateful to have found your work Dr. Chanequa, it’s resonating sooooo so so deeply for me as I take these baby-steps-that-are-starting-to-become-leaps towards THIS kind of vocation. I can’t stop thinking about it, feeling it. And as I inch towards 50, it’s what I want for myself. Thank you for sharing this, it’s fuel for these next few months, to make room for THIS kind of vocation✨
Listen! This one essay just caused me to rethink everything I’ve been striving for in the best ways! I’ve been waiting for permission and a divine sign from God to show me what work I am supposed to be doing, and in that process there has been paralyzing fear that I may be making the wrong choice. If I don’t hear the clear voice of God then I assume I’m headed for Jonah’s fish, and I end up not pursuing anything even if it would be edifying or just fun to me. Thanks for this perspective!
Dr. Chanequa as I prepare to give a workshop this weekend centered in rest and self care based on the things I have learned from Tricia Hersey and yourself, you have come this morning with my sermon for this Sunday and confirmation in a thought I had to share with these women, and helping me to continue on my own journey of rest and self care. Thank you for continuing to do the LAWD’S good work.
That sounds like a great workshop! Also, I'm so excited about Tricia Hersey's new book. I've already heard great things about it.
I agree that our vocation is no one thing. We are more than what we do and we also are good at more than one thing. We have untapped potential and have the freedom to decide to do something different. Every good work, regardless of what it is, inspires and helps mankind. Even volunteerism, which doesn't bring in a paycheck, makes a huge difference in the lives of other. Thank you for sharing something that we all face at some point in life.
Ms. Jackie, I like when you say "every good work inspires and helps mankind." So true!!
So true. And too often we get ourselves in trouble by trying to do all the things we're good at simultaneously. I wonder, though, if what we need to do is to move beyond the idea of "good work" to "good being."
Yes, being good is a better way of thinking about it. Good work takes too much effort, and we do burn out at both ends. I’ve been there, done that.
Yes, moving away from "good work" to "good being"...That will preach for sure!!
I'm grateful for your writing! I experienced burnout late last year throughout most of this year, and I’m rebuilding my life and rhythms in a healthier, more sustainable way! Reading the wisdom of others on how to really care for yourself is important to me. I’m grateful for you, Dr. Chanequa, and your willingness to share!
I'm grateful that you're on this journey to a more sustainable rhythm. May we all find it!
Dr. Chanequa. I am conducting a workshop this weekend on rest and self-care and would like to introduce the participants to your self-care assessment out of Sacred Self Care; how do I gain permission to pass out that resource? I thought it was okay to share it, but when I downloaded it, I saw a statement about having permission to use it. I will also give away one copy of the book Sacred Self-Care at the end of the workshop. I have gifted this book at least four times this year alone.
Yes to all this. I think our calling is ultimately to be our true, whole selves. Not some sliver of ourselves; not a job or a singular role. A I think that self grows and evolves throughout our lives. As I have discovered over and over during the years.
I resonate with this a lot, especially the idea of the evolving self. That's why the idea of vocation as "one thing" doesn't work. It doesn't give room for our evolution.
Wow…. Dr. Chanequa, this concept of vocation is amazing. I’m gobsmacked (I apologize for the word choice - I can’t think of anything more elegant/accurate to describe my reaction to this post. Might I add that I mean gob smacked in the best and most flattering way!) Thank you so much for your beautiful writing which reinterprets the previously angst-ridden connotations of vocation in the light of the fruits of the spirit as a way of BEING, not doing.
I wish I'd understood it sooner. There was so much angst. And so much relinquishing of my power to choose.
What a beautiful reminder for all of us that "We are God's good gifts" and listing the vocations...
Spiced chai latte!!
This was absolutely wonderful as a morning devotional, and also very timely in a "God is winking at me" sort of way. Thank you so much.
Thank you for this!! I've been thinking about this concept recently as it pertains to the notion of God caring about our desires. The 19th Annotation by Saint Ignatius of Loyola has helped to shift my perspective about vocation, voice, and self-care. God cares about our wholeness and thriving. God desires that we are well. Our definition of vocation is connected to our wellness and joy. ☺️
The Ignatian retreat center close to me just started a 9-month program on the 19th Annotation. I missed the application deadline this year but I’m hoping they’ll do it again next year.
You will enjoy the journey!
Great post! I love what you said about our calling not taking away our free will. We can still live for God and do things for Him but take time to breathe. Thank you so much for sharing!
I enjoy your written comments and meditations and have had the same 'battle' you talk about here most of my life. I keep reminding myself of the first question and answer Christian men composed in 1600's for the Shorter Westminster Catechism. (Forgive the language. When I repeat it to myself I change the pronouns.)
"What is the chief end of man?" and the answer is "Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him forever."
This pained me to read in a necessary way
I loved this so much. I'm feeling a bit burnoutish also and as a doctor there's a sense in which this job is supposed to be for life! I can't even think of my vocation not including this job, so this was a great reminder that I carry my vocation with me in every career and space. Thank you ❤️
Thank you.
I’m grateful to have found your work Dr. Chanequa, it’s resonating sooooo so so deeply for me as I take these baby-steps-that-are-starting-to-become-leaps towards THIS kind of vocation. I can’t stop thinking about it, feeling it. And as I inch towards 50, it’s what I want for myself. Thank you for sharing this, it’s fuel for these next few months, to make room for THIS kind of vocation✨
Listen! This one essay just caused me to rethink everything I’ve been striving for in the best ways! I’ve been waiting for permission and a divine sign from God to show me what work I am supposed to be doing, and in that process there has been paralyzing fear that I may be making the wrong choice. If I don’t hear the clear voice of God then I assume I’m headed for Jonah’s fish, and I end up not pursuing anything even if it would be edifying or just fun to me. Thanks for this perspective!