Reflecting on the new year, I have been thinking a lot about purpose and how it connects to joy. I have written before about the lines from George Bernard Shaw, “This is the true joy in life, being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one.” That is a struggle, since I have a hard time finding that PURPOSE that I recognize as a might one. This morning in my meditation and prayer time, it was clear that the way to that purpose is to follow joy that can also help others. What really lights me up and can bring joy to others? Personal growth, spiritual, mental, physical, and emotional. It always has. I love the process and the results, and I love sharing it with others and seeing the benefits it brings them. June of 2020, meditating on the beach on St. Simons Island, GA, I got the inspiration to be a personal growth workshop/seminar “critic.” I would attend many and share them with others to help people find the one that is right for the next step on their journey. It seemed crazy at that time but brought me joy and purpose this morning. I have already done many, Tony Robbins complete university, Waking up Weekend, Center for Artful Living, medicine journeys, Executive Leadership Intensive, silent monastery retreats, 12-Step Recovery, ironman, multi-day ultra-running events, not to mention all the online events, books and podcasts I have learned from. Each of them really helped me at that time in my life and I want to keep learning and growing and to be able to help others through it as well. I will lean into that this year. And I will also take the advice my wife gave me as well, “Remember that smaller purpose is doing with grace and compassion all the small things God puts on your path every day. Be fully present and joyful in that too.” So as you plan and start living out 2023, remember to focus more on what brings you joy and to bring love to all your everyday activities. This mediation from Calm is a good reminder. mediation
What has been your favorite growth experience? What one are you thinking about doing that I might give share some perspective on or check out for you this year? How will you invest in you this year? I look forward to the discussions.
Have a great weekend,
Art
