Harry Chapin wrote and performed. “I Wonder What Would Happen to this World?” wherein he asked if we were brave enough to see the signals and the signs to change things. He asked if we avoided questions about meaning, and what we would do, “If an answer ever found us.” I don’t think one can count on epiphanies, and I believe answers come from knowing which questions to ask yourself, and having the courage to answer them and act.
The importance of asking yourself tough questions is more relevant than ever. With the debate raging about women and work thanks to Anne-Marie Slaughter, Marissa Mayer and Sheryl Sandberg, I think Margaret Carlson elegantly captured the conundrum. In speaking with my daughter, I mentioned to her that there is some great gender-neutral advice dating back to 2005. Po Bronson in “What Should I Do with My Life?” wrote about courage and risk:
“You can make decisions to pad your wallet. You can make decisions to maintain proper appearances. You can make decisions because they’re safe or predictable. You can make decisions because it’ll keep your parents off your back. You can make decisions simply to delay making harder decisions. I began this book because I was drawn, artistically, to those who’ve made decisions to serve none of those ends. I was interested in people who resisted those pressures and made a decision simply because it was good, or right, or true to their nature – and were willing to be challenged by the consequences. Nothing seemed more brave to me than facing up to one’s own identity, and filtering out the chatter that tells us to be someone we’re not. I found that it’s not what you do that defines you nearly as much as what you overcame to get there that shapes you.”
Regardless of your individual circumstance, are you brave enough to make the sacrifices needed to pursue your passion as your life’s work?
“One day your life will flash before your eyes. Make sure it’s worth watching.” –Unknown
Share This!
Related Posts
Categories
