Chris Guillebeau (thanks, Tracey!) on his inspiring website asks us to explore a couple of questions, and I have to say that questions of this sort have TERRIFIED me in the past. It's as if I think that answering them will somehow pin me down to what could turn out to be a mistake, and what if I'm trapped in a mistake? How silly of me. . . No one is in control of my life but me, right? So, at this time, this is how I answer these two questions:
What do you really want to get out of life?
My own basic desire has always been centered on appreciating the beauty of nature and the creativity of others (whether in writing, music, art, drama, whatever!), and on somehow reflecting this beauty back in my own unique ways, with the hope that others will more enjoy and then be inspired to create their own unique reflections.
I seek to do these things by experiencing and remembering to be grateful for nature's beauty each day, whether in my home's everyday surroundings or in my larger explorations when I travel (which I love to do----mostly with my husband Jon, but also alone or with a friend). I seek a balance in my appreciation of nature/the nonhuman and human culture, and I want continue to learn throughout my life.
How can you help others in a way that is unique to you?
Through our voices----which I'll define as our own unique ways of representing what is most true to us, to our souls----I believe we can encourage each other. My own soul's voice has most often sought expression through writing, whether poetry or other kinds of reflections, but also through different modes of art. However, only very recently have I begun to be able to share my essential self with others, having felt in the past that, since "there is nothing new under the sun," why should I presume to cast out my little net?
Now I understand that it is only through our casting that we can weave this stronger, larger net that can support everyone, not just a privileged few.
