Dream Pathways Foundation
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK!
  • Home
  • Services
    • Child Intake Form
    • Coaching Sessions
    • Children's Book Tour
  • Research
    • Journal >
      • Human Development Across Lifespan
      • African American Psychopathology >
        • Psychopathology in Children
        • Psychopathology in Adults
        • Treatment Options
  • Magazine
    • DPM Archives
    • Article Submission Form
    • Mental Health Matters
    • Community Health & Awarness
    • Family & Relationships
    • Saving & Investing in Our Youth
    • Dream Pathways Magazine Writers >
      • Writer of the Month
      • Writers' Free Book Bank
  • About Us
    • FreeSchoolSupplies
    • Christmas Giveway for Kids RSVP
    • About the Founder
    • Projects in Development >
      • Dream Pathways Behavioral Health Institute >
        • DP Behavioral Health Survey
        • Foster HOPE Today >
          • Share My Story Form
  • Helpful Resources
    • Community Resources LA
    • The Small Business Corner
    • Resource Library
  • GIVE BACK
    • Donate Kids Books
    • Join Our Online Community
  • Contact
    • Web Store

Are You Living Your Passion?

7/9/2012

0 Comments

 
Picture
Date: July 2, 2012
Writer’s Name: JC Gardner
Title: Are You Living Your Passion?




Recently, two of my friends, Sandra and Bridget, lost their jobs.  These were not just temporary jobs or “something to do to past the time away” type of jobs.  Roots were planted at their places of employment, friendships forged, and years were invested towards securing a decent retirement.  
To make matters worse, termination of employment was not anticipated.  It was shocking. Unlike the past, where it was typical for firings or lay-offs to happen on a Friday afternoon, the news was given in the middle of the week, right after lunchtime.  The stunned women were given no options, other than to pack their belongings and leave.



Personally, I have been employed at the same place for over twenty years.  I’ve held various positions, taking advantage of career development opportunities as they arise. Quite frankly, I live a lifestyle that requires I remain gainfully employed. But what if on tomorrow, all of that came to an unexpected end?  



When I spoke with Sandra and expressed my sorrow over this unfortunate event, she was not the least bit worried.  Her faith in God kept her strong; and although the job paid the bills, it was not her passion.  While it would have been nice to leave on her terms, this unexpected release now freed her up to do what had been in her heart all along.  While I was close to tears, she was shouting the victory!  



Bridget had a similar reaction. She, too, aspired to do other things.  Even though she had many years tied into the company, she took the news incredibly well, and walked out of the building with her head held high preparing for life’s next adventure.



Both of these women had a vision of doing something different – something other than the regular nine-to-five routine.  Their passions and desires were dormant but became activated when their circumstances changed; forcing them to peel back the delicate layers of inner-self so they could begin focusing on what they really wanted to do.



Like these women, I have a vision of doing other things with my life.  Matter of fact, it is my vision that keeps me motivated and gives me a reason to get up every day ready for life’s challenges.  If I lost my job tomorrow, I would have to trust that when God closes a door, He opens a window. And while that portion of my life would be over, I would have my skills and my passion to see me through to the next phase of my life.  



Having a vision also gives my life deeper meaning. I know a lot of people who want to work until they are well past retirement age; the thought of going home terrifies them. It appears they invested all of their time and energy into their jobs with nothing to look forward to once that journey ends. Somewhere along the way, they forgot to invest time in what they desired and focused all of their energies on working for someone else.



When Sandra and Bridget first told me of their predicaments, I immediately conjured up negative thoughts of hopelessness, worry and despair.  What would they do now? How would these single women care for their families?  Sudden loss of employment has so many negative connotations associated with it, but they were at peace because they were determined to turn their circumstances into something good.  



Many people are not doing their passion.  Life has a way of ordering our steps in a different direction than what we envisioned. If we took the time to ask our colleagues if they are in their dream job, I bet the answers would not match their current positions.  In many cases, what we see does not represent the true person’s nature. We see their avatars – a manifestation of their outer selves that shields their true personality. Some of our visions and dreams are suppressed by the reality of our situations, but that should not erase them. Don’t let your job steal your joy.  Think outside the box and aspire for greater things in life.



*Names changed for confidentiality purposes


0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    Daily Quote

    There's nothing more attractive than seeing a man with his pants pulled up; because if he can handle his pants, he can handle his business.

    Archives

    July 2018
    January 2018
    July 2017
    June 2017
    March 2017
    November 2016
    September 2016
    October 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    April 2015
    March 2014
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    October 2011
    September 2011
    July 2011

    Categories

    All
    American Dreamer
    Because I Got High
    Discovering Authors Across America
    Dp News
    Dream Pathways
    Feed The Hungry
    For Better Or Worse
    Foster Hope Success Stories
    Founder
    Give List
    Health Matters
    Icare About The Homeless
    Jewels Of Confidence
    Keeping Family First
    Keys 2 Freedom
    Man Up
    Mission
    My Dream
    My Willpower
    Need To Read
    Neffe Book Signing
    Politics Matters
    Random Matters
    Single Mothers
    Speak Life
    Stand Your Ground
    The Suicide Project
    The Work Of My Homeless Hands
    Train Up A Child
    We Foster Hope
    Young Entrepreneurs

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.