We all go through phases at different points of life and as I am officially turning mid-40 tomorrow, I can't help but review my latest passion / interests, and here is what I have found: I have been checking out a few websites, signed up for subscription, and seriously considering the issues which speak to me loud and clear, a sign from the universe to go ahead to help change the world to a better place to be.
Have a look at the following websites:
- The centre for a new American dream
- Institute for humane education
- The story of stuff project
- The gift circle
My attention to philanthropy didn't start over night. In fact, I have been signing up at various NGOs and did some volunteering work in the past couple of months; duties I was drawn to for no special reasons but nevertheless feeling right about. A better world, a meaningful life, is something I have been contemplating and struggling with in the past few decades; only to be intensified recently as I become more restless and unhappy about the environment where I live. I have second thoughts if the things that I have been doing matter. and how to inject more meaning to my existing life?
Here are some questions which you could ask yourself to find out what gets you out of bed in the morning:
- What is important to you? What do you value most?
- How can you use your passions to give back to the world?
- What makes your life worth living?
- Are you aware / mindful of your daily actions and keep them on track?
- Are you focused in what you do, aligning your goal with something you are passionate about?
- Are you spending you time / money on experiences or material stuff?
- Can you be more compassionate toward yourself, and to others?
- How can you give back to the world that honors your beliefs and passions?
- Can you simplify your life?
- Are you setting daily goals that you find fulfilling and meaningful?
To me, meaning / fulfillment is definitely more important than money. Money is only useful up to a certain point and depression sets in when there is no reason to wake up in the morning (albeit a fat account sitting in the bank). I don't know if this is part of the aging process but I am making qualities like purpose, intrinsic satisfaction and meaning a priority. Authentic relationships, sustainable business, purposeful travel, to name but a few.
I feel more than ever to make a difference, to become a part of a community which lives a sustainable lifestyle. I have no desire to purchase more and am content with what I do have. I would always choose to accept a lower income and a lower level of consumption in order to have more time to pursue other life goals. Yes, it involves a change of lifestyle, but a worthy change nonetheless. As I mentioned on my webpage, travel is an absolute necessity to me, and I never travel without a reason. As a matter of fact, I am getting more and more interested in voluntourism these days, whereby people add community responsibilities to their travel itinerary.
I don't believe I can change the world by myself but I am working on taking time to nourish relationships, eating local / seasonal produce, playing more, engaging in fulfilling work (paid or unpaid), getting involved in a community whenever I can, and to rest as much as my body needs.
So on the eve of my birthday, I wish to say thank you for reading my posts.
No comments:
Post a Comment