WHAT DO I LOVE?

It was Joseph Campbell who coined the phrase, “Follow your bliss.” Like much wisdom the term has become overused, and thus loses its poignancy. Going into retirement, I am forced to examine what it is in my life that gives me a sense of meaning and purpose; what inspires me, excites me, calms me, helps me feel proud, as though I have achieved something, has enabled me to be a better person, to help others, to maintain a state of curiosity and positive anticipation.

There are everyday things that get me going: sports, projects, aspects of daily living like eating good food, pleasant company, and so on.

But what truly makes me feel human, fulfilled, and alive?

Human connection based on honesty and a seeking of the truth

Skepticism that cuts through the BS

Creating something good out of little or nothing

Feeling that I am able to help somebody else

Exploring something exciting that I didn’t already know about

Learning something that reinforces what I already hoped to be true

Seeing or hearing about acts of kindness

Wild art

Art that touches a place inside me that I was previously unaware of

Achieving a goal

Travel: researching, planning, booking, being there, photographing, and sharing

A good story well told

Being in nature quietly

When music resonates
Realizing that I know nothing