Guts, Grace & Gusto

Headlines this week feature the deaths of several celebrities—the king of pop, a poster queen, a pitchman and a sidekick. Sudden death shocks us, as if it’s not supposed to happen, at least not during the prime time of our lives. That seems to intensify the tragedy and deepen the loss. It gives cause to reflect on the unexpected and often unexplainable that’s woven into the fabric of every life. Their star quality is a metaphor . . . bright stars shine for a time, blaze across the universe, and then their glow either eventually or suddenly, vanishes.

Life changes and usually bears little resemblance to the pattern you may have anticipated. The unexpected teaches us valuable lessons of the treasure of Now. We never really know what’s next on the horizon or what tomorrow will bring even with the most careful planning. So take stock. Are you waiting for the “perfect” time to make a change, to go for a dream, to take steps toward a life-enhancing move? Waiting can be costly to your happiness. Are you feeling stuck? Suffering from stagnation? That’s not really living. Life is for breathing passion into your days, or at least, breathing with as much energy as you can muster at the moment.

Life is about growing and stretching daily, putting more of who you are into expression, even when life tests you to the core. No matter your opinion of Michael Jackson, he leaped upon the world’s stage with his desire to be the fullest expression of talent as he moonwalked himself across the planet. Yet, growth is not just about expressing talent. It’s also tapping more of what lies within. Farrah Fawcett was far more than a famous head of hair. She transformed into a model of courage, hope and perseverance for the world to see.

Loss brings to the forefront the fragility of life, the fragments of time perhaps too often taken for granted. What are you doing with all those slivers? Are they blazing the trail of the legacy you wish to leave? Are they leading in the direction of what you value? Are you spending your time expressing what you desire? What choices would you make if you could see into the future and saw that time was not on your side?

Sandra Strauss

Labels: dealing with change, Life purpose, loss, personal growth

Today’s news headlines feature the sudden death of Craig Lenell, who was piloting the transatlantic Continental flight yesterday when he suffered a heart attack. “Flying was his life. He died doing what made him happiest,” his wife reported to the press. Fortunately, the flight crew handled the situation, quite literally with flying colors, and the incident posed no risk to any aboard.

As a career pilot it probably seemed to Mr. Lenell like an ordinary day at work, in a job that he loved. He had no idea that flight would be his last.

This raises a critical question to take to heart--are you doing what makes you happiest? Are you putting your passion into action?

Late last night, my 26-year old daughter who’s back in the world of work after a year of globe-trotting is feeling the pinch of her wings being clipped. Her passion is travel, exploring other cultures and welcoming the fresh delights of each day. Last year, she worked aboard a cruise ship as a youth counselor traveling several continents. Now, she’s grounded in an office using her both her degree and talent in communications to work. Yet, with every update from friends who are on international assignments, the yearning rises again. Each time, it’s a sign pointing the pathway back to her heart. The flurry of reasons holding her back are meeting less resistance—her heart is pulsing more powerfully with a plan for doing what she loves.

Do you notice any signs from your gut, or more accurately, your heart, of the life you want to live? Those yearnings, wishes, and rumblings that rise up again and again are hotwired to your heart. It becomes a matter of choice if and when you act upon them.

When you’re clear on what makes your heart sing and take action to do it, you’re clearly on the path of joy. When you choose to ignore those signals, you’ll stay grounded in a continual loop of wishing and hoping, but hope isn’t a plan.

It’s vital to keep in mind as you go about your life, what fuels your passion. It’s always the right time to soar.

Labels: career choices, discovering your purpose, Life purpose, passion