For a long time, I thought that making lots of money was The Thing To Do, The Thing That Would Make Me Happy, The Thing Du Jour. And then I made a lot of money and couldn't quit my job fast enough because there is often a price you pay for fat pockets; like jealousy, sabotage, restless nights and anger. For a Brown Girl like me, no amount of money is worth unhappiness. No amount at all.
Today, I try to live my life in service because all I really want to do is be of value in some way. And while cremation is my preference when my body decides to one day let go, my headstone (aka my legacy) matters. Call it ego, call it what you want, but I do want to be remembered for doing Something Good. Don't you?
Ten years ago, I told the Universe what I wanted and now the Universe is saying Okie doke. Here ya go. Among other things, I am a small part of giving girls a world view via The Passport Party Project, a global awareness initiative that gifts underserved girls with their very first passports. And while years ago I would have never guessed that I would be helping out in this way, I'm finally mature enough to understand why cliches are cliches in the first place and why Be Careful What You Ask For Because You Might Just Get It is true, has been true, and will be true forevermore.
When I woke up this morning, the first email I read humbled me, made me tearful and propelled me to write this post even before I've had a chance to enjoy my morning cup of tea. After presenting a session on Travel Philanthropy at BlogHer 12 just a few days ago, my heart has been full and I have felt proud and inspired. In this precise moment, I am grateful beyond measure and the email below will tell you why. With my entire heart on the table...
Good morning Tracey,
Hope all is well and I'm glad you made it home safely and with some yummy JFK Airport food in your system. :)
I really from the bottom of my HEART THANK YOU! Not only did you play a MAJOR role in saving my first BlogHer experience, you have played a MAJOR role in my life. Before going to your session I was lost and starting to second guess how I would be able to travel the world and help people with my daughter - my goal in life.
From the moment you started speaking I got goosebumps and felt like you were speaking to my spirit and not just my ears. I strongly believe in omens and life directing you to where you should go and it completely led me to your morning session.
With all of that being said I really want to extend my help in any way shape or form to you and the other wonderful Travel Philanthropists that you know/work with. Please let me know how I can help in ANY WAY!
Thank you more than you can ever imagine!
****
4 comments:
I too attended your session during BlogHer. It was also my first time attending the conferences and some of the sessions kind of ran together, I must say yours was most impactful. Hearing the things that you have accomplished and how passionate you are was truly an honor. When I left all I could think about was what I could do to make a difference in the world. As you continue to spread inspiration we all will patiently wait to breathe it all in.
Thank you for coming to the session, DeAndra! I was pleased with the turn out. =)
I appreciate your kind words and the absolute Best Thing you could've told me is that you left thinking about what you can do to make a difference. Inspiration is like a chain...and links from person to person to person. I bet if you do something - big or small - that you will inspire someone too. Betcha.
It's wonderful to read stories like this. They prompt you to pause and reexamine what's important and what your legacy will consist of. Thanks for nudging me to place more trust in my abilities and inner desires.
Thank you for your comment, Michaela. =) I try to pause often. It's so easy to get caught up in things that don't really matter sometimes, isn't it? I get gentle nudges too...from the most unusual unexpected places sometimes. Glad I could pass a little something on. It feels really good to be able to do so. *Cheers* to frequent re-examination.
Post a Comment