Purpose

On using the gifts I've been given

marshy water edge taken by the author

I had a lovely conversation with a friend yesterday about purpose, or maybe more accurately about the responsibility we have toward our gifts. They reminded me of our responsibility to use our gifts. That it’s not simply about what I want my purpose to be and what work in the world would bring me joy. It’s about using what I am given. Walking the path laid out for me. Being careful not to get distracted by all the problems of the world, but focusing on what is mine to be part of solving.

Then, last night I dreamed about a boy who asked for my attention. When I gave it to him, he cried. He was so used to people NOT giving him attention that he was overwhelmed with gratitude for being seen. What followed was a playful, joyous time together, immersed in his world.

We all need to be seen like this boy; to feel worthy of attention exactly how we are; to not feel "too much" or "not enough." When this need is met? Magic happens. The heavy layers we place all over ourselves to hide begin to fall off and our capacity grows. No longer spending energy performing and masking, that energy is freed up to give to others.

We can be more compassionate, more understanding, more loving. And then what?

Then, I begin to see a hint of the world I dream is possible.

I feel it in myself: how much easier it is to show up for others when I've already shown up for myself. The energy I then get when my gifts and impact are reflected back to me - magic.

This may sound dreamy. Sometimes the words I write, the images I create feel just tad out of reach. I keep reminding myself that it’s ok. I keep reminding myself that we need dreamers to imagine change.

We would not have all that we have today without the dreamers. I would not be on this laptop typing these words if Bill Gates had not dreamed of a computer on every desktop in every home. I would likely not be in this state of Washington, across the country from where I grew up, if the Wright brothers hadn't dreamed of flying.

So I will keep dreaming. I will keep sharing my words. My intent is for this space to be part of that. To be a place where I feel into what it means to use my gift of words, my gift of compassion, my ability to deliver harsh truth softly. And all the other gifts I have yet to name.

All in hopes that someone, somewhere, can feel the magic and begin to release the heavy layers. Moving ever closer to the world I dream is possible.