My work through Project Simplify is to help people get more joy in their life, to achieve a more integrated and ease-full work life–however, this is contingent on you digging your work in the first place. Everyone travels a unique path to figure out what their passion is. Some are blessed with knowing from an early age, some figure it out in college, some after a short lifetime doing something that they don’t think is so great.

My personal journey was painful in my 20’s in that I knew that I had a dream to fulfill but danged if I could figure it out what it was. Painful is something of an understatement. I tripped myself out, really. My conviction was so strong yet I was actually terribly afraid of choosing the wrong thing–which in effect left me paralyzed. Silly (something I can say lightly now that I am safely across that tar pit).

Leo of Zen Habits (a popular and interesting blog–check it out whether you are interested in finding your work passion or not) posted a list of suggestions to help readers on their journey of finding the work they love.

One of his suggestions in particular stands out for me. #3 in the list of “what you need to know about finding the work you love”:
“You’ll have to look in lots of funny places.” Here, here! When I was in Italy doing the bicycle tours gig, I met a woman from Oregon who had been teaching elementary school for several years. She began the profession because she loved it. But then she realized that she didn’t love it anymore. She didn’t want to become a bitter teacher who took it out on the kids (which I thought was an extreme thought for a woman in her late 20’s, but a commendable sensitivity for sure). Since she didn’t know how to change her current situation into something acceptable and since she didn’t have another profession in mind, she said, “since I don’t know what I want to do, I’ll go have fun until I figure it out.” Hence, I met her traveling around Italy.

I thought her idea somewhat outrageous at the time (even though my work as a bicycle tour guide was essentially the same thing) and now I see the brilliance in it. Speaking from both my own experience and having spoken with many friends laboring over this seemingly loaded decision of “what to do with my life”, I see what angst we can wind ourselves into! Why not shake it up and get into the space of fun? If laboring over the decision hasn’t gotten you anywhere in a couple of months, why in the world would continuing to stress over it produce any other result?!?!

Granted not everyone has the luxury of taking off and traveling the world =) so if this is your predicament, how can you modify it in a way that works for you? For example, if you love or have been drawn to watercolors, take a class or go buy a set and go out and paint.

What little thread, no matter how faint, no matter how many times your head has called it stupid, no matter what other people might think–what little thread can you pick up and follow for a while? No expectations besides having some fun with it. Photography? volunteering for a literacy project? baking cookies? learning how to salsa?

I didn’t keep in touch with the woman in Italy and don’t know where she ended up. Since she had found her passion once, I’ll take the positive road and presume that she successfully found her next gig. I will keep in touch with the lesson I learned from her, “lighten up!” =)

This interview originally appeared in The Simplifier #69.

Interview: Katie Carter - Yoga Teacher, Community Builder

By Shawn Tuttle

Within months of moving to Nevada City, I had found my yoga teacher at the local yoga studio. Katie Carter’s Friday morning class was dynamic and strong and yet I always left feeling refreshed and deliriously happy. In addition to being a popular teacher, she owned the studio–but those points didn’t explain her impact as a community builder. Her joyful attitude, delightful humor, and positive energy have fostered a large family of yogis (people who practice yoga). While she decided about a year ago to transition out of her role as business owner, since selling the business she has remained a pillar in the community by teaching and mentoring newer teachers. I was thrilled for the opportunity to interview this beloved local role model who embodies the fulfillment phase of a natural professional.

Katie Carter and Quincy

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ST: What was your background before you founded the Wild Mountain Yoga Studio?Katie Carter: I have a degree in Fiber Arts. When I first moved to Nevada County, I was 22 years old. I bought a business in Nevada City, a weaving store. I had a business partner who knew a lot about business and I taught the classes.  There is a lot of arthritis in my family–my brother has a pretty severe frozen spine. I knew I wanted to try to prevent it from happening to me. I don’t know if the yoga prevented it or if I just wasn’t going to get it. 

ST: And when did you open the yoga studio?

Carter: I opened up the studio in September of 1995.

ST: Tell me about your experience of taking something that you love and creating a business out of it. Just because someone likes to bake, doesn’t mean they should open a bakery.

Carter: For me, when I started teaching, I was at the right place at the right time. I think this community was really ready for more organized yoga. There were a few yoga teachers at the gym, but I think yoga was just starting to become popular or well known. I knew this information couldn’t be held back, it was ready to be shared. 

On my own spiritual path, I was ready to not be afraid to “om” in front of my friends. That was big to put out a sign saying “Hey, there’s something more, something deeper you can become a part of. You can connect physically, emotionally, and spiritually on some level.”

When I opened the business, it used all of my past skills. I had done art and I loved making fliers and creating business cards. I hadn’t realized what a good organizer I was. I opened up a studio and within 3 weeks, there were 5 teachers saying they wanted to teach there. That part was easy.

ST: What was your biggest challenge?