Another Way Is Possible

Let’s get something out of the way upfront: I am a white, middle-class, college-educated, debt-free, American male.  I have a lot of privilege to own up to.  Questioning my own privilege can make people uncomfortable, even when I don’t ask them to question their own.  How much of my “can do” ability comes from hard work, talent, persistence, and quality and how much comes from personal tutors, familial economic stability, college education, and parents who were available after 5:30 PM?

If another way is not possible for single mothers, high school dropouts, and citizens of the world, another way is not possible for me either, as such a system is unsustainable.

What is the stuff of life?

Too often, the prescriptions for success don’t take into consideration what we really, truly desire.  For me, it is to support myself, while being a productive member of society, and following my passions; to have the freedom to learn, travel, grow, and change; to forge deep connections with family and close friends while learning from everyone and anyone I can meet.  I have basic needs: food, shelter; some higher level needs: rest, entertainment, community, stability; and then some things I just want: vacations, experiences, occasional comfort items.

I know a lot of people, especially in New York, who work hard and long to make lots of money.  I want to say that they’re not happy, but that is untrue.  They are fine, happy even.  Only a few have an infectious energy, however. It seems that there is something else besides money that really animates people.

Mocha Club says, “I need Africa more than Africa needs me.”  The writer explains,

“I bought into the lie that circumstances define happiness.  … My new reality–my joy should have no regard for my circumstances…. the valuables in my hand will never be as valuable as the peace in my heart.”

Leo Babauta echos that truth with mnmlist, as does Chris Guillebeau who collects experiences rather than things.

How Do You Do It?

I will say it as often as necessary, find small things to change which help to focus yourself inward.  You don’t need an expert, you are the expert.  You don’t need a five year plan, begin the discovery process today.  Pay attention to the little things–plant flowers, join a choir, learn a language, ride a bike, take a mini-vacation, treat yourself at a spa, get a massage, pray, cook, read.  Connect with others who have gone before you and who are traveling alongside you.  Little changes will give way to big changes, personal changes will inspire others, collaboration will create new organizations and companies and improve existing ones, our collective energy will create lasting, systemic change.

Living, Breathing Examples

My friends Shane Claiborne, Jamie Moffett, Brooke Sexton and a few others from Eastern University moved into a row house in the Kensington neighborhood of Philadelphia.  They started by living, working part-time, and making friends.  Later they started an after school program (and later lost it to a fire), they help arrange food for their neighbors, they work with their community to end violence.  Today, The Simple Way is creating jobs in the neighborhood, raising awareness about violence at home and abroad, and inspiring American Christians (and Jews, Muslims, doubters, skeptics, and atheists!) to rethink their values.

Another friend, Mayra, is a freelance writer who works from home, coffee shops, or the park.  We love midday meetups where we don’t have to rush back to an office!  She also served on the board of directors for SoulforceNYC before it consolidated into the national organization.

Micah Matthias envisioned a program which would support young LGBTQ adults and allies organizing in Christian communities and within a year we launched our first year-long training and mentorship program.

I visited friends in St. Paul, Minnesota and realized I craved community, freedom, and an intentional lifestyle.  I have created websites for fun since high school so I put my portfolio together and was able to quit my job at a national television network within six months, work for myself, and save more than before.  Now, twelve months later, I can work from anywhere, my income level is comparable to what I made at the television network, and I’m saving even more.

Dori creates hand-crafted jewelry, Corinna is slowly building a music career, Matthew left Starbucks and became a teacher, Rob directs web series, Mike is pursuing environmental law.  I know many people who are living a reality that another way is possible.  Tapping into ourselves is crucial for spreading potential and creating systemic change–we create reality.

Follow Your Bliss

And to close, I will leave you with a thought from Nicole Nawala Damiba, who I discovered today and so moved me that I came back to this post to work it in!

It is our gifts, talents, skills and the things that excite us…the things that we obsess about and even the things that make us sound dorky when we discuss them, that make us better able to help others. Our passions are where we can begin to give to the world. So, if you truly want to help your family, help your world….then follow your bliss. It will give you all the tools or at the very least the beginning of the tools you need to serve others while bringing you joy.

Let Your Bliss Serve the World