I just returned from my kid’s Christmas Program, produced by their performing arts charter school.
It was unbelievably inspiring. I was full of emotion during most of the show. It was apparent that at least 20% of the kids performing had already found their passion and creative outlet. I couldn’t have been happier for them.
For years I didn’t believe I was creative. Part of my problem was drinking and using drugs as my primary hobby for over two decades.
A couple of years into my sobriety I was inspired by Rich Roll’s story. He had been inspired by Julia Cameron’s book, The Artist’s Way. As have many writers and creatives.
I became curious to see if I could unlock any creative potential that might have been suppressed during my drinking and using days. I’ve always loved to read and my technical writing had always been sound. So, I picked up the book and began writing the Morning Pages.
Not only has my life improved, but my writing has too. It has sparked the creation of this blog. Well, that and giving up social media.
It took many, many decades for me to discover a passion for life and a creative outlet. Watching the 12-year-olds tonight bursting with passion and creativity made me happy. Oddly, I was not the least bit envious of the headstart they have, compared to where I was at their age.
I believe we are all born with talents and gifts. Our primary purpose in life is to discover those gifts and share them with the world. This will inspire future generations to discover and share their own gifts with humanity. That’s what this life is all about. Leaving the world a little better than when we entered it.
I tried to throw away this precious life for many years. Now that I’ve been given another chance, my life is full of much deeper meaning. Every day I wish to be inspired and aim to inspire others.
I encourage everyone who has not found their passion to continue their search. It’s there. Don’t give up. Be patient with yourself. It took me 38 years to believe I had creativity that could be cultivated intrinsically.
And that passion I witnessed tonight bursting out from that group of young kids? That same passion is within us all. It’s up to us to find and cultivate that passion.
Peace and Love.
My fault, my failure, is not in the passions I have, but in my lack of control of them
– Jack Kerouac