My client had realised that her so called mid-life crisis was actually her inner voice getting so loud that she could no longer ignore it.

She had done everything she was supposed to do. When strongly encouraged to be a doctor, lawyer or accountant she went the accountant pathway. She had built a successful career, a lovely home and a beautiful family, but the ache in her heart was always there.

Since she was young she had always wanted to be a writer. She had played cat and mouse with her passion over the years and recently she had allowed herself to write more and had even sent her work off to a publication for feedback. She had gingerly opened the door on her writing closet and it felt good; she was no longer denying her passion.

The expectations of others and those we wrap around ourselves can hold us back from expressing all of who we are and lead to regret.

Do you keep a passion, purpose call or part of yourself in a closet? Are you denying part of your true self?

Is there anything you could regret if you don’t open the door?

Do you live in the ‘all or nothing’ headspace and think things such as, “I have a full-time job and a family and although I’ve dreamt of being XYZ it will never happen”.

Exploring your passion in a part-time way still allows you to connect with what lights you up, connects you with a tribe of like-minded people and may open opportunities you can’t even imagine. You don’t have to walk away from your career to tap into all of who you are.

What are the passions you are denying? If you expressed them would you feel more fulfilled? Would life feel richer?