Culture, economic circumstances, family traditions, local customs and more can often influence us more than we realize. With the benefit of hindsight, we asked some wise and experienced members of our community whether they think they are doing what they were meant to do or told to do.
Robin Hextrum
This is important question for artists. As I was growing up many people cautioned me about pursuing a career in the arts. It took a lot of courage to pursue the arts, and I felt myself second guessing my decision when things got difficult. Read more>>
Kevin Cady
This is an interesting question. I don’t believe in being born to do something, and I have worked my whole life to ask the question, ‘Am I doing this because society expects it or because I think it’s best?’ It’s still a consideration, and I talk to my students about it often. Read more>>
Taylor Gudeahn
I’m absolutely doing what I was born to do using art to help people feel comfortable and confident in their own skin, giving them something meaningful they can carry forever. I’ve built a community for people who might not have one, and a space where anyone can simply be themselves without judgment. I’ve pursued other dream careers before, but my soul was never truly satisfied. Read more>>
Peter J Nagle M.A.R.
Up until my mid 40’s I was doing what I thought I was supposed to do. But Divinity School changed that. Intense study of Scripture showed me that my goal in life was not to be perfect, but to be fully who I was created to be. The journey is to figure that out, then to get on the path of being. Read more>>
Samm Diep-Vidal
Yes. I’m living my dream—and truly, my best life. What I do wasn’t handed to me or mapped out by someone else. It’s something I chose, built, and continue to shape with intention and heart every single day. I wake up each morning excited to teach, connect, create, and build community around a sport I love deeply. It’s not just a career—it’s a calling. Read more>>
Tereza Kopecka
I used to think I was supposed to follow the script: study hard, get a “good” job, settle down, start a family. But deep down, I knew that version of life wasn’t mine. So I traded expectations for freedom and started living the life I was actually born to live. That life doesn’t include children and that’s a choice I stand by. Read more>>
Mindy Arbuckle
Without a doubt, I’m doing what I was born to do. I came here to bring Spirit down to Earth—to live the sacred in everyday life and help others remember how to do the same. Read more>>
Cynthia Fishman
I was actually just talking about this with a friend! I most definitely think I am doing what I was born to do. I have been involved with Ecosa many times over the years, and it has always been life altering. I attended the program after I got my architecture degree because I knew I needed to learn about ecological design. Read more>>
Taylor & Tanner Barkin
If we were doing what we were told to do, we’d probably hate our lives—not to be blunt or anything, but it’s true. At every checkpoint, society nudged us toward the “safe” path. You know the one: go to college, get a traditional job, follow the rules, don’t rock the boat. And any time we deviated from that path, it seemed to make people uncomfortable. Read more>>
Una Bella (Viggiani)
Funny enough, in astrology there’s always that question — fate or free will? For me, I’ve never been one to do what I was told. Not by my family, not by religion, and definitely not by the government. I’ve always had this inner compass that pulled me toward a different path — my soul’s path. Astrology helped me understand that pull. Read more>>
