Life is short. A nanosecond in the context of the universe. We all have calendars and a gazillion photos to document the minute by minute journey of our life so far and so we get it. Yet if we really understand how short our life experience is none of us would give away our days doing something we don't love to do. We'd do something we're passionate about each and every precious day. Something that makes a difference, something we can't stop thinking about as we go to sleep and wake up each morning. Why wouldn't we do what we love? Why would we do anything else?
Yes, we have to pay rent or a mortgage and college loans and car payments. Electric bills and life insurance. I know. I do too. And forget about groceries, if you like to eat. Which I do. I get it. But I also get being unsatisfied, unhappy and feeling like you are not contributing to the greater good. Life is so short.
What if we reflect on what makes us happy. Spend a little quiet time thinking about our particular gifts. Our personal talent, knowledge, curiosity and experience. And we give ourselves permission to follow an inclination to do what we love. To try something new. Or not new. But something we want to cultivate and strengthen. If we all do what we love and what we are naturally good at we might find that everything aligns. We may find that we are happier, life is easier and those we are supporting are happier too.
A few years ago, after my Dad passed away, my sisters divided up his art supplies and gave me a pile of brushes, oils, mediums, all kinds of art supplies. Our dad was an electrical engineer but he was also an artist. He came home each night and painted until he couldn't see straight any more. He loved the expression of art. And he was pretty good. I'm learning to paint, using my Dad's paints and brushes and with my sisters guidance and support. Such a gift, an incredible late in life surprise. I realize now that I may not have been doing what I was supposed to do. All those years. And yet, I love what I've done. I'm simply adding a new feature and a new love. Art.
Who knows what we can all do if we're doing the thing we love to do, and perhaps are meant to do. If we all did what we love to do, even if it's on the weekend, or in the evening after our other work, I wonder if the world would be a more relaxed and aligned planet. I wonder if we all may sleep a little easier and if our dreams may be a little sweeter. I say we give it a try. We have nothing to lose. Do what you love.
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