In the past year, many of us have made changes in our lives, recognizing that we all have limited time here on the planet. What do you want to do with your life? Are you doing it?
It's time to commit to your dreams and work to make them come true. If you can't work on your dreams full time, work on them whenever you can -- before work, at night, or on the weekend -- but don't neglect them. Start today. Take baby steps. Share your goals, ask for help, and offer to help others with theirs. If you commit yourself to doing what you love, you will discover a new sense of purpose and meaning in your life.
How important is it to follow your passion? The founders of the United States thought it vital. The Declaration of Independence, written in 1776, states that people are endowed with certain unalienable Rights -- that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Seeking happiness is right up there with life and liberty.
Find work you love, then treasure it and nourish it. If you love what you do, you can accomplish great things. You'll make the extra effort because you're doing what you love. You would do it even if you weren't paid for it.
Recent events are a call to arms and hands and hearts. Use those arms to embrace one another, those hands to reach out and help, those hearts to love each other. Practice random acts of kindness and see what happens. Each person can make a huge difference even with small actions.
Many arms were bared to donate blood. This act brought into focus a fact about all humans on the earth -- no matter what we may look like on the outside, we are all very much alike in the inside -- all over the world. There are only four blood types. Although each person is unique, we all share many similarities. It is up to each of us to appreciate the similarities, and celebrate the differences.
A very wise child recently reminded me, "It's easy to make friends. You just walk up to them, introduce yourself and say hello." When did we forget what we knew when we were children? Do something beautiful, loving and tender. Tell those you love that you love them. Show those you love, you love them. Introduce yourself with a smile to that stranger next door. Make a new friend today and every day.
No matter where you live, remember that we have many things in common and we have limited time on Earth. We need to use it wisely. Think about what you can contribute to the world. What kinds of stories do you want to tell? What kinds of images do you want to create? What brings you joy? Your job as an artist is to share your vision through your gifts. Work hard at what you love and you will help make the world a better place.
Pamela Kleibrink Thompson is a career coach and recruiter. She also speaks about animation careers at colleges, universities and national conferences. As a career coach, she helps clients enjoy, enhance and energize their careers.
Links:
[1] http://www.awn.com/imagepicker/image/5061
