Gifts of the Magi

Maybe it’s just the season – a time for introspection and reflection, hope and resolutions. Maybe it’s the fact that this past year has been so difficult in so many ways. Maybe it’s because I feel so blessed in spite of the trials. Maybe it’s a sign of growth – maybe I’ve actually made another step toward self-actualization.

Something has happened – is happening. I’ve spent a lot of time over the past few months distilling my thoughts, feelings, values, core beliefs – and I’ve recovered, re-discovered my SELF. My sense of purpose – my true purpose, my mission and my vision are becoming clear – like my vision after cataract surgery!

Ironically, if I had successfully achieved my goal two years ago – and had retired – I wouldn’t be in this place now. I might’ve been in a good place, but (I kinda’ hate to admit this) my plan wasn’t THE plan. I believe from the center of my being that my path is yet unfolding before me; I’m not done. And, I think I will be able to do all this and all that – my work and my life are more closely aligned than I can ever recall.

I want you to be everything that’s you, deep at the center of your being.

- Confucius

Your work is to discover your work, and then with all your heart to give yourself to it.
- Buddha

A man’s work is nothing but this slow trek to rediscover, through the detours of art, those two or three great and simple images in whose presence his heart first opened.
- Albert Camus

One way or another, we all have to find what best fosters the flowering of our humanity in this contemporary life, and dedicate ourselves to that.
- Joseph Campbell