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When we think about the things that we're passionate about - and those things that give us a sense of purpose.
I believe I have stated it in the past, but my passions in life are pretty simple. I am passionate about my family, passionate about helping others, and passionate about performing. I have been very intentional in the past few years to consciously carve out a life that keeps those three passions in the forefront of everything that I do. This includes:
- Working from home to be closer to my family.
- Co-Founding an Improv Comedy group that allows me to perform regularly and teach.
- Becoming a Life Coach.
It is pretty safe to say that anything I spend time doing fulfills one of my passions - and if it doesn't - I try to get rid of it - or delegate it.
My passions keep me on purpose. My purpose is my reason for being. When I am living my purpose I am blessing myself, my family, and the world.
If that is true - what are the implications for not being on purpose?
(Pretty obvious) What's the point?
When we think about the things that we're passionate about - and those things that give us a sense of purpose - it is easy to think it is a selfish and individual endeavor. We never stop to consider how others are affected by our decision to make choices that further our growth and fulfillment. Besides, it's just my life - so what does it matter to you?
Right?
Recently I have been inspired by two stories - by two extraordinary individuals - living very ordinary lives.
My wife and I recently rented the movie "Freedom Writers, " the true story of a young teacher in California who transformed the lives of every student who found their way into her classroom. It is a theme that has been done before, and that is probably the reason I resisted seeing it for so long - but after a few recommendations I finally gave in. I am glad I did. No matter how many times these stories have been told, they all represent the power of one. One person - living on purpose - can change a whole community. In this film, the teacher endured a school staff who didn't believe in her, a father who thought she was wasting her time, and a husband that divorces her because of her commitment to the students. She even takes on two extra jobs so that she can buy her own books when the school turns her down. One woman, on purpose, who never gives in to the pressure and negativity surrounding her - and a result a community will never be the same.
The other story is about another young woman who was coaching youth soccer in Georgia. Born in Jordan, but graduating from Smith College in the US, she spent a few years coaching well-to-do teams in the Atlanta suburbs. Yet, every time she would drive through a poorer part of town she felt more at peace because it reminder her of home. So, leaving the better funding behind she decided to start coaching young teens in this deprived area. What she quickly learned was that over half of the town consisted of refugees from countries all over the world. The kids have parents missing in Africa, parents who could not speak English and provide for them, and many of them had witnessed horrendous atrocities. She became their coach, but she also became their ray of hope of how to become a better person. She tutored them, drove them around town, and did anything that needed to be done. Recently the New York Times featured them in a front page article, ESPN featured them on Sportscenter, and the rights for a film about them has been purchased for roughly 3 millions dollars. As a result, every child on that team, and children still to come - will now have their college tuitions paid for.
One woman. One purpose. A community that will never be the same.
Neither of these women started out to change the world. One was a school teacher. The other was a youth coach. Yet, when you find your passion, live on purpose, and don't let anything take you off purpose - extraordinary things can happen.
One is enough! You are enough!
Do you feel connected to your purpose? Are you capable of doing and being more?
I hope the answer is yes!
Read more from this blogger at Travis Inc.
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