Just Because You Can, Doesn’t Mean You Should

Over the years there have been opportunities presented to me through various channels. For example, when a position opened up in our Municipality many years ago my husband very excitedly urged me to apply. He said ‘You would be so good at this.” I responded with “Just because I can, doesn’t mean I should.” I had no interest in the job and it made no difference to me that I was qualified and I might have been an asset.

There have been times when I did things I thought I should and was certainly capable of doing. I took on a volunteer role with a small organization because I loved what they represented. It turned out that I was a much better resource as an occasional helper than someone who attended regular board meetings and reviewed governance material.

Of course I could have taken on either of these roles and created value. What I knew was that neither of these or the other things I’ve turned down were resonating with my passions and what I wanted to give to others. Just because I am capable of scrubbing windows all day doesn’t mean I should be doing that if it doesn’t fulfill me in some way, and if it doesn’t bring deeper meaning into my life.

No wonder I’m thinking about this today. I am about to embark on a new adventure that is exciting and full of promise. At least I’ve been very enthusiastic until I realized today it might not fit with how I want to live my life or what I see myself doing. Yes, it will make money and yes it will help others. But that’s not enough. I know where I do my best work and where I make a difference. If this doesn’t fit then it’s time to take a second look.

Where in your life are you putting in the time while knowing the creative longing in your heart is somewhere else?