It’s good to acquire knowledge and write what we know. But when we share it with others, so others benefit, we keep unfolding.
If you look at artists’ lives, many have stopped “reinventing themselves” or “igniting others” through their art/music/writing. Even Oprah looks a little like she settled in lately, stopped taking risks, started phoning it in.
When we cling to habits or the past or fears, we cut off the flow.
Find a way to make another’s life better because of knowledge gained from your journey and pass it along. That is the way to stay in this flow.
It helps to do what you love so sometimes you need to go back in time to remember what kindled your own creative fire.
I felt most creative:
– when I shared a lesson with students and their own light bulb of realization went off
– when I helped someone unlock the tension, release anxiety in their voice and body to speak
– when I performed on stage and felt the exchange with the live audience
– traveling and interacting with people from all over the world
I felt joy when I used a skill or talent to uplift another.
I want to live in that childlike wonder of being in the moment while giving.
Mother Teresa was a passionate but egoless giver. She wasn’t thinking about how world famous she would become. She became so wrapped up with giving. She merged her talents and passion with the needs of the world. But without being martyr-like and miserable.
Who doesn’t like the passionate but peaceful work of Dr. Martin Luther King, the selfless purpose of Lincoln or the creative contributions of IM Pei or Maya Lin?
At the same time, I never liked that martyred style giving—you know the person who gives and gives but is angry about it. Ugh. I didn’t want to be that angry martyr.
Our legacy is how we give to life, not how we take from it.
I see evidence of those around me using their gifts and giving and growing:
Teachers who love their students and subjects
Parents who love the company of their children and show it in their patience and discipline
I see it in business owners who love their customers and want to help them.
We have different things to give depending on our station in life. But we can always give. No matter our position or wealth.
As a teacher, I give space to each individual to develop their talents. I create a space of success, knowledge, growth, for my student to free their voice and creativity in speaking and writing. I see the spark in each student until he/she sees it in himself.
Let me know your thoughts on this, and PLEASE give this post to others if it has inspired you.
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