A Question That Really Got Me Thinking

Photo by Danie Franco on Unsplash

In a recent podcast, Wayne Dyer asked a simple question:

What do you ache for in life?

Ache.

It’s such a strong word.

He didn’t mess around with asking what do you want? Or what do you long for? But what do you ache for?

Ache brings up such strong feelings of longing, pain, and even heartbreak. They’re things that we can’t (or don’t want to) live without.

Ache gets right to the crux of things; right to the heart of our deepest truth, desires, and soulful yearnings.

When it comes down to what we want in life, the list can be almost endless. When it comes down to what we long for, it begins to shorten. But when it comes down to what we ache for there really isn’t all that much. And our heart often knows the way.

The only decision we face is whether to listen or not.

What I ache for has changed over time

What I ache for in life changes from year to year so it’s not a rigid concept by any means.

In childhood, I dreamed of becoming a full-time footballer.

When I was a teenager, I just wanted to get laid.

In my early 20’s, I longed for the road.

By my mid 20’s, my soul was aching for something more.

By my late 20’s, I wanted to still my mind and soothe my heart.

Now in my early 30’s, I’m getting closer to raising a family alongside my beautiful girlfriend.

Age brings many things but one that I cherish is a deeper connection to my heart, a sense of belonging in the world, and a feeling of purpose. And for that, I’m extremely grateful.

Now it’s your turn. What do you ache for in life?

Before you answer too quickly, let it percolate for a while. Allow it to rest in your heart and see what space it occupies.

Then if you feel like sharing, let me know what arises.