The summer I turned 18, I was up from Florida visiting family and attending my cousin’s wedding near the Jersey Shore. During one of the BBQ’s, a second cousin of mine about 20 plus years my senior came over to talk to me and catch up. He knew my college experience was about to begin in one month’s time and I had no idea what to expect. He told me to always live in the moment and allow myself to experience the very things that were going to show up. Sometimes it’s going to feel scary and sometimes people will enter your life and it will take years before you realize the why and appreciate the very gifts they gave and shared. I sat there in silence absorbing the advice. It sounded simple enough, but at the same time there was this enormity to the unknown path ahead of me. Before he moved on to give the next young relative his pearls of wisdom, he said, “I don’t know, but something tells me you’re going to end up living and working in NYC one day.” Now at 18, that was just about the coolest thing anyone could ever have said, but back then I don’t know that I believed it.
Twenty-four years later and that 10-minute conversation has stayed with me. I can’t say I’ve always been conscious of the message my cousin left with me that day, but it definitely held a special place in my heart reserved for those days when I shut up long enough to hear the words again. Lately, experiences in my life have caused me to look back on my journey up until now. On paper, it certainly doesn’t look like a straight line from the diverse jobs, careers and industries I’ve held and worked in to the cities where I’ve lived. Yet, there has always been a common element, a favorite part of my day, regardless of my personal and professional life ~ giving back and making a difference. I’ve had job titles that seemingly have nothing to do with philanthropy or social responsibility; however, I would always find a way to integrate those very things into my day. The knowing I was supposed to be a part of something bigger than myself was a part of my natural essence and wasn’t going to be denied. One of the reason’s I’m able to look back fondly on my careers is because there were elements in each directly connected to my “I AM” ~ my unique gifts and talents that are an innate part of my being. It took time, patience and stepping out on faith that has allowed me to combine all the very things I loved into a life that isn’t compartmentalized as personal or professional. It’s a dynamic and delicious life where I live my absolute truth 24/7.
What positive word, expression or act have you received from someone else that has stayed in your heart and continues to inspire you? Get still on that for an afternoon and see what you come up with. We are all connected whether we are conscious of it or not. It’s why we feel so much for others’ stories and jump into action when help is needed. Think about Haiti and Chile and the world of support filled with cooperation and collaboration. We are by our very nature connectors, and often don’t know just how we’ve affected someone else’s life ~ in a good way. Yesterday, my daily challenge to you all was to spend the next week creating your “I AM” list and see how many words you can use to describe your natural essence. As your list is created, you’re will start to connect the dots and see patterns toward personal and professional choices. You’ll begin to hone in on the very gifts you are bringing to this world, as part of your life purpose, and a visualization of what you can create will begin to unfold. “Teachers” and experiences you at one time cursed will be seen as gifts and lessons. If you remember someone who made a difference in your life and you’re able to thank them in person ~ reach out. And know that you know that just by being present, you are making a difference in your life and in the life of others.
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