Sunday, March 20, 2011

Living a Passionate Life

                                                                      Cloudscapes
                                                                        12 x 16
                                                                      Watercolor


"Don't ask what the world needs.  Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it.
Because what the world needs is people who have come alive"
           - Howard Thurman

 I don't know who Howard Thurman is- but I love this quote.

There is nothing more enlivening than living your life aligned with your purpose and doing so in a way that contributes to others. About 10 years ago I was at a cross roads. I had had a successful career in business, by all conventional measures, for nearly 20 years, yet felt unfulfilled.  I made the decision to change directions and pursue my passion for painting full time. It wasn't an easy decision and was not one I made hastily, but has really proved to be the path towards living a life I truly love and am energized by.

 I share this because I know there are lots of people who are doing things they think they "should " be doing or that are familiar  because that's what they've always done, yet know in their hearts that there's something more that would provide a deeper sense of  fulfillment  and more satisfying life.

 If this is you, know you are not alone and know that you have the power to create the life you've dreamed of. It may not be easy or immediate, but make a plan, take actions each day in the direction  of your viison for your life and surround yourself with positive people( and try to avoid  engaging with the naysayers who squelch your dreams).

 I have another quote  that has been a good reminder of what's important "Never get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life".  It's never too late to follow your dreams.

 In the right hand column I have a link to a pdf poster  that you can download for free with my favorite inspiring  quotes for  following your dreams.
 Hope you enjoy it and it gives you a little bit of extra motivation to live the life you've imagined!

2 comments:

  1. Thanks for these encouraging words, Pat! You have written words that describe my feelings and thoughts too!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thanks Judy, I meet so many people who dream of following their passion, but have the typical fears and concerns that we all have about making a change, so hopefully sharing our experiences will help others find the courage to create the life they truly want.

    ReplyDelete