I’m not a hippie, but I like to play one in my mind sometimes. Over the last two months my focus has been on making GCFL a full time career. In the process and evolution of creating a sustainable life by doing what I love, I have not taken the time to write my reflections of where I am right now. By where I am of course I mean, not physically, but mentally, emotionally, and creatively. I know, I totally sound like a hippie.
Over the last couple days of spending quality time with family, watching movies and hanging with friends there has been a couple things that have lead me to write. I have seen many examples (and non examples) of the importance of sustainability, faith that no matter the outcome it will be what is best, which if nurtured with passion is the sure fire way to create a legacy. Here are a couple nuggets of the positive stuff:
Fixing the Thanksgiving turkey we had Jerry Maguire on the TV in the background. I had forgotten the whole start of the movie, with his getting fired from the agency for writing an impassioned mission statement about the future of his business and the importance of personal attention. Of course we all remember the fall then rise and romantic story line, but one of the gems are the occasional memories of the old Dicky Fox and the simple statements that are profound when placed in context. This is an example of sustainability.
On Sunday morning we sat with the kids and watched the Harry Potter Deathly Hallows Part 2. A little darker but no less inspirational. Nat had said it would be great to watch, starting a small business fighting the good vs evil fight. But it is as much an internal battle of Harry Potter who doesn’t have all the answers but has faith in the guidance of his teachers and community (Hogwarts) that all will end well to the point that he is willing to sacrifice himself for the greater good. His mentor, Prof. Dumbledore is only able to give him that last bit of assurance after he has sacrificed himself – “Words are in my humble opinion our most inexhaustible source of magic capable of both inflicting injury and remedying it ….help will always be given .. to those who deserve it”
Finally this morning amidst talking about and confirming ideas for gifts and lamenting the fact that the budget is tight this year, and that we would like some new clothes, we came across this video which is brilliant and beautiful in both message and execution. I’m not a hiker or a surfer, or a mountain climber but we share a bit in the lifestyle of making things work. Part of that lifestyle is being beholden to your passion that give life meaning and legacy.
I’ve always said my favorite thing to do is make people smile or to make people think and being able to both at the same time is inspired.