The previous post discussed being attracted to holiness in others...but another question I've always grappled with is: What if my vocation is not for marriage but consecrated holy life (i.e. religious Sister/nun)?
In this modern world, many people do not hear the calling to religious life. They are too concerned with material goods and the expectations that society places to be "coupled up". Religious life seems like a far cry from all of the "fun" things that the world has to offer. After all, who would rather be cloistered in a convent or celibate than married with kids? There are so many self-help books that make money on things like "How to Get A Man" and, I admit, it's a guilty pleasure for me to watch rom-coms. But the reality is, focusing on superficial notions brings us further away from our true calling.
Whether or not we are called to religious or married life, our focus should be on living authentic lives and striving to be true ourselves, no matter what others tell us. Books, the media, and family members tell us to act a certain way, dress a certain way, or look a certain way. Why must I sacrifice who I am to cater to other people's expectations of me? I don't have to sacrifice who I am, and I won't sacrifice who I am. If my friends and my family members can accept me, flaws and all, than anyone can accept me.
In the end, what matters is that we fulfill our calling, and we can only figure out what our calling is through prayer and discernment. The answers aren't found in movies and books, but in ourselves.
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