“Don’t ask yourself what the world needs; ask yourself what makes you come alive. And then go and do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”
-Howard Thurman
The first time I saw this quote I was reading Wild at Heart by John Eldredge several years ago. The quote has stayed with me and grown in meaning. At my first encounter, I was a freshman in college. Everyone was deciding what to study and what careers to pursue. Frequently students and advisors made decisions based on which career paths had “opportunity” and “promise.” It was crazy. Having one career your entire life was still the norm at that point and I couldn’t image pursuing something strictly for the money or security.
As I reflect on it now with the experience of marriage, parenting 2 children, teaching for 7 years, starting a business, and all of the life experiences in-between, the quote means more to me.
What makes you come alive? Not just what do you enjoy, but truly and deeply alive? What sets you on fire?
In my last post, I wrote about taking a leap of faith and leaving my career as a teacher. I couldn’t totally explain it but I knew leaving was the next step and anything else was excuses. So I did. About 2 weeks ago I put in my letter of resignation and began work on my new company, Come Alive Creative.
For the past 2 weeks I’ve designed and coded the company’s website and I am ready to show it off.
We are a full-service creative team and we specialize in helping entrepreneurs and small businesses grow, improve, and succeed by handling their online tech and marketing needs. At the time of this writing, there are 4 of us. Leandra is social media and voice talent. Aaron is our first graphic designer and photographer. Heather is our second graphic designer but focuses on branding, logos, and typography. I round out the group with my web development and audio editing experience.
Now to bring the beat back to the quote. I started a creative design team. I could have started anything.
[Insert random company idea here]
It’s not the work that makes me come alive. What matters is how I’m doing it.
In stepping out on my own, I have a chance to test my faith. No longer is there the safeguard of a weekly salary. I’m able to push myself as hard as I can imagine. The job isn’t defined by politics or glass ceilings. I’m going to be problem solving for all kinds of people. I get to collaborate with my friends and other creative professionals to accomplish amazing things.
It’s not what you do; it’s about the level of commitment and passion you bring to it. It’s about being fully present in any situation and being the best version of yourself to love and inspire the people around you. I approached teaching that way and loved it. But this is the next step in my journey and my adventure.
I’m excited to see where this goes. Thanks for coming along with me.
Check out the site- comealivecreative.com. Drop your thoughts and questions in the comments below. I’d love to hear with you think. Enjoy!
Leave a Reply