The Joy Is The Journey
I asked myself this question today, "If Oprah was equally talented at training pigs to perform tricks as she is hosting a talk show would she still be as happy?" I'm sure most of us said that we'd be happy doing anything if we made her kind of money. I realize that I assume she is happy. Let’s just agree that she is a happy person. And to, that she has fulfilled her lives mission in her role as spiritual adviser in a forum that to most of us is the closest thing to religion as we get. I only ask the question because of this book I'm reading. "Finding the work you love.” It suggests that each of us are born to a purpose and have been put here at this place in time to contribute to the world our "special gift". Be that pigs that dance like sugarplum fairies or the best new fall color (Pink, by the way). We are here for a reason.
I like the concept and have read The Celestine Prophesy, I admire the words of Deepak Chopra M.D. I employ the wisdom of Feng Shui and Winsor Pilates. I believe in the divine power ultimately and use whatever tools I can to tap into its knowledge. My, not new quest, started as a child. Carl Jung said "Nothing has more influence on our children, than the unlived lives of their parents". I am not sure if my parents found their calling or not. We are not that kind of family and unless you're on fire, sudden emotional displays will be thrown a disapproving glance. So, we've not sat around the dinner table sharing our spiritual journey. And I will not be at my parents this year for Thanksgiving. (This may have been the year we did that...) All the same I knew then I wanted to find a passion for my life. I wanted to grow up and be Oprah about something.
As the book illustrates, We either are born a child prodigy or we become "something for now" because that is what is done. Then we die. "Thanks for stopping by life, glad you could make it." Now that Home Depot has come to pass through my life, I must say I feel more alive and awake. I knew it was going some where, just not sure I was supposed to be on the big orange bus. I got off the bus. I'm not asking how I got lost. Although I'd like a clearly defined destination and a colorful map quest map and directions. TAXI!
I once wrote "A leaf in the wind of circumstance" in reference to the station of my life at a much younger age. And as the connotations of the phrase would suggest I felt out of touch with my life. At the time I'd created a life out of a need to survive. Not the 'Make the world better life that eludes me to this day. I looked around and thought, "Who did this...I want names...Oh, that was me." I made changes and faced fears and it brought me to Louisville Kentucky.
The Zen thought is "The JOY is in the journey; the journey is the destination." My cynical voice says "Are we there yet". I am grateful to have had my journey and enjoyed the ride so far. Now I want to DRIVE THE BUS!
Winston Churchill said "Things do not get better by being left alone." While my entente is to poke sharp sticks at the monsters inside my head that tell me to worry and doubt, I am cautious. They have a point about that one thing I did when I was twelve that means I should be safe and still work at Home Depot. None-the-less, I did not leave things alone and I am happier now than the day I was awarded "Top Sales in the Northeastern Division of Home Depot." I remember thinking 'This is great but, I'd rather be walking my dog.' This was no life. Income that I miss but not my truest self. And yet, through the wind of circumstances and the chatter of the negative voices I can hear my own voice singing a joyful song. I want to hear the words and dance and feel that glee. I listen for that voice more now than I have in a long time. That tells me I'm getting closer to my best journey yet. Or maybe not. Maybe Lowes is hiring.
Some days I feel free and want to fly. Some days I wonder if the toaster would be such a bad bath toy after all. This is a process and the book is a helpful guide. It has taught me how easy it is to hide and go through the motions of living. Not contributing to humanity. So far I know for sure that I give to humanity some fabulous pancakes. Last week it was pumpkin banana pancakes served with my glamourboy chili topped with two fried eggs. The one member of humanity that witnessed this epiphany of confection said "It's like watching Oprah it's so good!"
I'm not sure 'exactly' where I'm going but I hope to smile along the way. If you need me I'll be in the Zen garden meditating over a Prozac stuffed olive martini.
Leland
(I will work for cocktails)
I like the concept and have read The Celestine Prophesy, I admire the words of Deepak Chopra M.D. I employ the wisdom of Feng Shui and Winsor Pilates. I believe in the divine power ultimately and use whatever tools I can to tap into its knowledge. My, not new quest, started as a child. Carl Jung said "Nothing has more influence on our children, than the unlived lives of their parents". I am not sure if my parents found their calling or not. We are not that kind of family and unless you're on fire, sudden emotional displays will be thrown a disapproving glance. So, we've not sat around the dinner table sharing our spiritual journey. And I will not be at my parents this year for Thanksgiving. (This may have been the year we did that...) All the same I knew then I wanted to find a passion for my life. I wanted to grow up and be Oprah about something.
As the book illustrates, We either are born a child prodigy or we become "something for now" because that is what is done. Then we die. "Thanks for stopping by life, glad you could make it." Now that Home Depot has come to pass through my life, I must say I feel more alive and awake. I knew it was going some where, just not sure I was supposed to be on the big orange bus. I got off the bus. I'm not asking how I got lost. Although I'd like a clearly defined destination and a colorful map quest map and directions. TAXI!
I once wrote "A leaf in the wind of circumstance" in reference to the station of my life at a much younger age. And as the connotations of the phrase would suggest I felt out of touch with my life. At the time I'd created a life out of a need to survive. Not the 'Make the world better life that eludes me to this day. I looked around and thought, "Who did this...I want names...Oh, that was me." I made changes and faced fears and it brought me to Louisville Kentucky.
The Zen thought is "The JOY is in the journey; the journey is the destination." My cynical voice says "Are we there yet". I am grateful to have had my journey and enjoyed the ride so far. Now I want to DRIVE THE BUS!
Winston Churchill said "Things do not get better by being left alone." While my entente is to poke sharp sticks at the monsters inside my head that tell me to worry and doubt, I am cautious. They have a point about that one thing I did when I was twelve that means I should be safe and still work at Home Depot. None-the-less, I did not leave things alone and I am happier now than the day I was awarded "Top Sales in the Northeastern Division of Home Depot." I remember thinking 'This is great but, I'd rather be walking my dog.' This was no life. Income that I miss but not my truest self. And yet, through the wind of circumstances and the chatter of the negative voices I can hear my own voice singing a joyful song. I want to hear the words and dance and feel that glee. I listen for that voice more now than I have in a long time. That tells me I'm getting closer to my best journey yet. Or maybe not. Maybe Lowes is hiring.
Some days I feel free and want to fly. Some days I wonder if the toaster would be such a bad bath toy after all. This is a process and the book is a helpful guide. It has taught me how easy it is to hide and go through the motions of living. Not contributing to humanity. So far I know for sure that I give to humanity some fabulous pancakes. Last week it was pumpkin banana pancakes served with my glamourboy chili topped with two fried eggs. The one member of humanity that witnessed this epiphany of confection said "It's like watching Oprah it's so good!"
I'm not sure 'exactly' where I'm going but I hope to smile along the way. If you need me I'll be in the Zen garden meditating over a Prozac stuffed olive martini.
Leland
(I will work for cocktails)
posted by Leland at 3:50 PM
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