I ran across this quote today by George Bernard Shaw that really speaks to me:
"This is the true joy in life, the being used for a purpose recognized
by yourself as a mighty one, the being a force of nature, instead of a
selfish, feverish little clod of ailments and grievances complaining
that the world will not devote itself to making you happy. I am of the
opinion that my life belongs to the whole community, and it is my
privilege to do for it whatever I can. I want to be thoroughly used up
when I die, for the harder I work, the more I live. I rejoice in life
for its own sake. Life is no brief candle to me, it is a sort of
splendid torch which I’ve got a hold of for the moment, and I want to
make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future
generations."
I love the deep sense of purpose, the appeal to the greater good, and the drive to make a meaningful difference in this quote.
When are you a force of nature?
What splendid torch do you want to hand off to future generations?
Before specializing as a professional coach in 2004, I spent more than a decade in leadership, management and program development for state and local government and non-profit organizations. Now I get to help leaders and teams have more clarity and ability to stand up for what's important in their work and in their organizations. Working with me, leaders and teams find more meaning and purpose, feel happier and more confident, navigate change and conflict, and work together better.
Hanna: Love, Love, LOVE this quote! How often do we catch ourselves visiting Pity City? If we are really engaged in our lives and working to be mindful in each moment, we’ll automatically create alternate routes to our destination so we’re not tempted to go down those familiar roads.
I’m hoping that my niece and nephew will be able to see through me the opportunities they have to shine their own lights despite what others might have in mind for them.
One of my absolute favorite quotes (in addition to the one you shared here) is Marianne Williamson’s:
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
What a fabulous legacy to leave: the opportunity for others to be liberated to BE who they are!
Mmm, Jodee, thanks for shining your light here!
I too love that Marianne Williamson quote – it not just gives permission to be incredible, it DEMANDS it!
Your holding the torch for your niece & nephew is such a beautiful and inspirational gift you give to them. Thank you for providing an opportunity for these children to become who they are meant to be.
Hanna