“There is no passion to be found in
settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.” –Nelson Mandela
In the past when
I’ve entertained such notions often my inner critic would leap fearfully in,
warning me to be practical, that living in greater alignment with my values and
ideals isn’t realistically going to put food on the table.
To be sure, it
is important to give practical consideration to the everyday business of
keeping a roof over one’s head and food on the table, but what we should all be
increasingly skeptical of, is that our ability to do this should exist mutually
exclusive of living in alignment with our passion and sense of purpose in life.
I just don’t
think I’m here merely to survive, nor do I believe that you are here merely to put
up with it all and then die (apologies for my bluntness). So, what then?
When I read the
quote above, something crystallized for me, and I hope it will for you
also—that there is no point in settling for a life that is less than the one we
are capable of living. That is, it is pointless
to settle for a life that is less than the one we are capable of living.
What does that
mean? To me it means that to the extent that we settle for a life lived according
to the dictates of others, to the extent that we fail to recognize the unique
offering that our life is and/or place some real value on its expression, is
the same extent to which we will—in all likelihood—find our life lacking verve
and vitality.
Which is to say,
that anytime we sell out, fail to take our dreams seriously, or neglect to
perceive our life and who we are as worthy of our own investment, we end up
living half-lives. We end up living lives that are much less than we are
capable of living.
Bottom line: we are capable of much more than we often
dare to dream is possible and therefore end up settling for less, and this
is a real tragedy.
So, what to do?
I always
recommend starting with a little research. Become a better listener, be curious
and take notes about what makes your heart come alive, what piques real
interest and enthusiasm (or even a little interest and enthusiasm).
Start
journaling, for this is often a great way to uncover your soul material. Get
out in the world. Take yourself on dates to workshops or classes that are
exploring territory you think you may be interested in. You will meet lots of
like-minded souls, be inspired and find support for your dreams.
Whatever you do,
be consistent, keep moving one small step at a time in the direction that moves
you, that stirs something vital in your inner being. And remember:
1. There will be risk involved.
2. It won’t be easy.
3. But it will be well worth the effort and
any discomfort involved.
Passion is the
essence of life. It is therefore a necessity and something well worth practical
consideration in crafting a life of robust joy, contentment and inner peace.
