Leisure studies as a calling

ABSTRACTLeisure studies continues to consume the adult life of this reflective article's author. Celebrating the value of leisure and working in this area of study is an imperative that the world needs. This author has been blessed to view her time in this field as not just a job, or even a career, but as a calling. The principles that have guided this calling are described through personal insight and include: making connections; listening, reading, and learning; following one's passion; recognizing that a calling is not easy: working with integrity; blooming where one is planted; never apologizing; and finding balance in life. Leisure is essential as a value, a right, a privilege, and a responsibility and people from diverse perspectives from around the world are needed to move the exciting possibilities of leisure studies forward.