I was recently surprised to learn someone with whom I crossed paths on occasion passed away. Having distanced myself, purposely, from the shared connection, I really had no reason to keep up with the deceased, although his recent divorce, quite public and published, kept his personal life in the news for some time.
In many stories, time eventually washes away facts, fantasies, and fables regarding who wronged whom. While I never really knew the whole truth of the situation, I suspected there was fault on both sides of the argument.
As I read the details of his passing, I was quickly caught up with the story of his life since I last saw him. I smiled as I read that he had decided to leave the industry he hated and start a new life doing exactly what he wanted and was meant to do.
Searching for recent photos of him online, I was gratified to see that even though he had fallen ill, his persona was quite lit up and visibly peaceful. It is utterly amazing what peace in one’s heart and mind can do for a body’s soul.
He was always polite to me. Never vulgar or rude, unlike many of the other men in this circle of questionable morals. He treated me like a human being and not an object to lure or steal from his friend. In fact, he seemed very genuine and humbly quiet. His live-out-loud lifestyle did not suit him, and it showed on his face.
I can relate to that. For years, I tried to escape the label of project manager and eventually tried my luck at technology sales. While I was particularly good at both, I hated them equally. These roles drained my energy and stole my joy. I absolutely loathed those jobs. When I finally started moving in the right direction, toward my (perceived) corporate role, there were challenges, doubts, and frustration that made me continue to question my path. Eventually, I found my stride and my (corporate) professional purpose.
Persistent career disappointments can wreak havoc with one’s personal life and have been known to influence addiction, marital betrayal, and financial ruin. In truth, people who struggle to find their call or purpose often have trouble spots in other corners of their lives as a result.
Although I was saddened to hear of his loss, I took comfort in knowing that after his marriage fell part, he decided to break free from people, places, and professions that proved incompatible with who he really was, and he allowed himself to create the life he always wanted, even though it was cut short by illness. Knowing that he found himself and embraced his realness allows me to bear witness to the potential of the human evolutionary experience. To see someone who was doubted by so many evolve to become a person remembered for his generosity, adventurous spirit, and quiet demand for his privacy, is to see faith in action unfolding as miracles of the Divine.
Stepping out and taking that risk by gambling on himself when others discounted him, he found his passion and his spark, which lit the way to fulfillment, purpose, happiness, and love.
Be the person who believes in you.