First off, I want to thank everyone for their thoughtful, kind, and wise comments on my initial post, Writing Your Life. One of the many things I’ve learned and gained from this ongoing experiment in living is to be open and vulnerable (see The V Word) with others. I’m deeply grateful to everyone for listening and commiserating on questions we all ask ourselves at some point.
Colorado Handstand
I once wrote that the most courageous act any of us can do is to Be You. Life experience continues to confirm that belief. I wrote in Writing Your Life that I had found my purpose in writing. After going through another few days of soul-searching, I realized that while writing is my deep love and passion, it’s not my purpose. It’s an expression of my purpose. My purpose doesn’t have a title like the others I was comparing myself to: urban planner, artist, filmmaker, lawyer, CEO, musician. I longed desperately for one word to sum me up. One word that would capture my focus. But there is no “one” word for any of us. We are all so much more.
Food Fight with Students in China
I figured out my purpose. It came to me in a brief breath between my chaotic thoughts last week. My purpose is so startlingly simple I couldn’t see it. My purpose is to be me. The me that has an unbelievable passion for life, for people, for stories, and cultures, for trees, and oceans, for adventure, for food, for love, for experiencing all life has to offer with the time I have on earth.
Running with the Birds in London
Friday morning, I woke up to the sunrise. The fog had lifted. I knew again what I’ve always known–my heart knows the way, and so does yours.
P.S. On a somewhat related side note, I have another music video recommendation for you from Pogo. Warning: this song, Kadinchey (Thank You), is awesome and may make you want to hop on a plane to Bhutan and experience what Gross National Happiness means.
Oh my goodness! Thank you for this post. It has so inspired and awakened something in me… something beautiful! Thank you. For as long as I’ve been an adult, the world of “grown-up” has seemed plastic to me. I have never felt like I belong in that world and have never felt like I have something of value to offer in the structures and labels set up for us. For all of my unemployed stints, I have sighed when others judge and I say pleadingly, “I just want to be me.” When I leave a job, I usually feel a big burden has been lifted and I can breathe again… I can be me. That’s the thing, I have always just wanted to be ME. I love being happy, I love spreading happiness, I love personal growth, introspection, helping others and simply singing the song in my heart. I want to sing the song in my heart. Anyway, that is probably why sleeping in my car was so powerful for me and so deeply nourishing for my soul. I gave myself permission to be me, fully, with no judgements whatsoever. I sang that song in my heart. Most importantly, I gave it a space to flow out in its own melody. It has long been my dream to somehow just get paid to be who I am and to offer my actual talents.. I don’t want a label like non-profit worker, corporate someone, film maker…. I have something of beautiful value to give- thus professional sunshine spreader was born. Though I long for a paycheck, financial freedom, healthy food, stability, a haircut… and even a facial… nothing matters more to me than authentic expression and to me it is far more expensive to shut down the quest to find out where my true gifts will lead me.
Thank you.
By: Currie Rose on January 29, 2012
at 10:51 PM
That’s so wonderful to hear, Currie! I love that quote: “I want to sing the song in my heart.” That’s beautiful. I think that’s what we all ultimately want–is just to be ourselves and to have environments and people around us that support and nurture whoever we want to be. I recently wrote an essay that will be published soon entitled, Happy People Don’t Make War: How Your Happiness Can Bring World Peace. It’s all about the importance of us honoring and respecting what makes us happy, for when we do so, we have more to give others and to the world. When we’re truly happy and content in our lives, there’s no need to compete with others or take anything away from anyone else. There’s no need to struggle or to fight. I truly do believe that world peace is not only achievable but also attainable in our lifetimes. Like the song says, “Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.”
So happy to hear that this post awakened something in you and reaffirmed your beauty and importance in the world as Currie Rose! <3
By: Jacqueline on January 30, 2012
at 12:51 PM
Wow! I loved it! I actually have 1 word for you ” Amazing ” : ) Got goosebumps from both, your writing, pictures & video.. the colors and sounds just got me in a trance .. wow.. I loved the plane at the end taking off : ) made me want to change my tickets and leave now.. I love the pics off you that are soaked with joy and your spirit. Continue being YOU.
Thank you for such a warm post.
namaste
el
ps – ok, now I have to watch this video again
By: EL on January 29, 2012
at 11:17 PM
Thanks EL! I love the word “amazing”! Haha. I also am a huge fan of that video. It’s so powerful. The last image with the little boy waving, literally brought tears to my eyes. Thanks again for reading, commenting, and for all your encouragement–means a lot! I’m very impressed with all you’re doing and the joy and passion you bring to the world!
Namaste!
p.s. I’ve watched the video at least 20x at this point and downloaded it on Grooveshark, so I can listen to the song on my iPhone.
By: Jacqueline on January 30, 2012
at 12:55 PM
Is that you doing that handstand? If so, I’m impressed! So glad you are being YOU! Margie
By: latebloomerbuds on January 30, 2012
at 5:57 AM
It is! My friend managed to capture me right before I toppled over.
Thanks Margie! After some ups and downs, I’m enjoying being me too. 
By: Jacqueline on January 30, 2012
at 12:56 PM
CHILLS, girl!! Got chills… happy day
By: Julie on January 30, 2012
at 6:39 AM
Thanks Julie! Wow! Chills? That’s awesome. Happy day to you too!
By: Jacqueline on January 30, 2012
at 12:57 PM
Wow, I think that you and I are on very similar paths at the moment. Different times of life, but similar paths. I just posted about “moving at my own pace” which to me means just being me and living the life I want, one which cannot be labelled with one word. Like you, I cannot be defined as anything but myself, and that’s okay by me. Thanks for sharing your journey to help others understand theirs.
By: Lisa Wields Words on January 30, 2012
at 6:49 AM
Thanks Lisa! That’s great to hear. I’ll definitely have to check out your latest post. And what a beautiful compliment: “Thanks for sharing your journey to help others understand theirs.” I think we are all helping each other in the ways we choose to lead our lives. Thanks again for all your visits and comments–they’re very appreciated.
By: Jacqueline on January 30, 2012
at 1:26 PM
Thanks, Jackie – Kadinchey was a wonderful boost this morning; thankful for another day… xoxoxo
By: Gloria on January 30, 2012
at 7:20 AM
By: Jacqueline on January 30, 2012
at 1:26 PM
Just dropped in to say ‘hello’, Jacqueline! Seems a while since we have been in contact! I was unwell over the Christmas period and now I am back in part-time work at school, which I am really enjoying, without the responsibility of being headteacher, just working in classrooms with the kids! Currently I am working with some kids with difficult backgrounds; hopefully making a difference to their education and lives! Great post! Really enjoyed it and glad that life is busy and fulfilling for you too!
Cheers
John
By: johnstirlingphotography on January 30, 2012
at 7:55 AM
Hi John! Great to hear from you and sorry to hear that you haven’t been feeling well but also glad to hear that you’re enjoying your time teaching.
Glad to hear that you enjoyed the post. Would still like to incorporate some of your photography (been using my own photos lately), so will be in touch!
By: Jacqueline on January 30, 2012
at 2:03 PM
Hey, your own photographs are great! It is nice to read other people’s posts and see their photography!
John
By: johnstirlingphotography on January 31, 2012
at 9:02 AM
Thanks! I need to take more photos! I love the instagram app on the iPhone though. I use it a lot and often post pictures in my twitter feed: @6monthstolive
By: Jacqueline on January 31, 2012
at 11:22 PM
Another wonderful post! You are such an inspiration to me! Loved the video.
By: littlesundog on January 30, 2012
at 8:27 AM
Why thank you! Your life is an inspiration too! Yeah, I’m pretty much in love with that video. Have played it at least 20x. It makes me want to hop on a plane to Bhutan asap!
By: Jacqueline on January 30, 2012
at 2:04 PM
Personal integrity is everything………. great post
By: hellenjc on January 30, 2012
at 10:26 AM
It really is! Thank you!
By: Jacqueline on January 30, 2012
at 2:04 PM
What a brilliant post, Jackie! I too am writing my life at the moment-one memoir post at a time. I love the notion of being me–nothing more–nothing less–just fully and completely the me I am meant to be!
Hugs,
Kathy
By: Kathryn McCullough on January 30, 2012
at 11:09 AM
High five, Kathy!
Memoirs are some of the most challenging and rewarding to write, I’m finding. I enjoy reading your posts, and look forward to following your journey as well.
By: Jacqueline on January 30, 2012
at 2:05 PM
Beautiful!
I loved your first photo. How amazing 
By: Nandini on January 31, 2012
at 6:58 AM
Thanks Nandini! That was taken in Colorado last April by a friend of mine. She managed to capture my handstand right before I fell.
By: Jacqueline on January 31, 2012
at 11:21 PM
What a beautiful post. It’s so easy to get wrapped up in what ‘identifies’ you, but people are so much more than their careers. To not only recognize that your purpose is what is important but to have chosen so well is brilliant.
By: Em on January 31, 2012
at 12:09 PM
Thanks Em! I think it’s so sweet that you told your husband about my blog–so flattered! What a beautiful comment–much appreciated!
By: Jacqueline on January 31, 2012
at 11:23 PM
I recently had a similar experience – feeling utterly confused and then having a ‘revelation’ about my purpose in life. But this revelation was actually something I knew all along, but was hesitating to admit…
By: l0ve0utl0ud on February 5, 2012
at 11:29 AM
Glad to know I’m not the only one!
I’m curious. Do you mind if I ask what your revelation was (of course, if it’s private, no need to share)?
By: Jacqueline on February 5, 2012
at 3:03 PM
I come to your blog to recharge, think and marvel ..
: )
By: Elena on February 10, 2012
at 4:45 PM
Thank you, Elena! That is one of the most meaningful things anyone has said to me about the blog. I’m so glad to hear that! Hope you’re enjoying your weekend!
By: Jacqueline on February 12, 2012
at 3:54 PM
That’s an awesome video! The photography is simply amazing~
Be yourself.
It’s hard to do, eh! But it always feel really fresh when I’m able to do it.
By: angrygaijin on February 12, 2012
at 3:22 AM
Isn’t it?! Pogo is phenomenal! This is true. That’s a great way to put it, feeling fresh when you’re true to yourself. Makes the world a much more interesting and inspiring world!
By: Jacqueline on February 12, 2012
at 3:56 PM