I will tell you that your work is bigger than your job.
I will tell you not to compare yourself to others.
I will tell you that what you have to create is your own and no one elses.
I will tell you to find kindness for where you have been— even if it’s not where you wished to go.
I will ask you to find places of impact and meaning.
I will ask you to tell your stories. I will challenge you to think about your work and your desire.
I will tell you that you have something great to create.
I will ask you to find the right people to support you along the way.
I will try to help you choose what to do next.
I will show you what’s been helpful for me to read.
I will help you pay attention to the stories you tell yourself and the words that you use.
I will ask you to make your art and to share it with the world.
I will do my best to help you stretch beyond your comfort zone.
I will help you let go of places that need to be let go of.
I will help you make plans and deal with fear and anxiety.
I will do my best to inspire you to dream big dreams and to courageously pursue them.
But there’s one thing that I cannot and will not do:
I won’t let you off the hook. Ever.
Giving up is not an option. I won’t tell you that apathy is ok. I won’t let you go back to not caring about the meaning and impact you make. I won’t let you leave your questions unanswered.
No one can do this for you. No one else can find your way. Only you can do this.
It’s hard. It takes a long time, but you can do it. You will do it. You’ve already begun.
The ball never left your court. It’s (still) your turn to take ownership of your path, your work, your calling, your career, your purpose, and your destiny.
Go be the courageous self we all know you are.
Never give up.
PS- The first ever Meaning Movement meetup in Chicago was a blast. Thank you to those who came out! Join me at the next one in Seattle on the 16th. Details and registration here (it’s free!).
