The message I got about work when I was growing up pointed out that there was good work and bad work. Good work meant you didn’t have to sweat.
Nobody mentioned that sweat-free work probably would involve sitting at a desk all day doing repetitive chores.
It wasn’t until I became obsessed with the role of work in our lives that I began to challenge such limiting notions. Eventually, I came to think that the best work called us to use our minds, bodies and spirits.
That, of course, is also why the concept of having multiple profit centers appeals to so many people who always felt crippled by the Single Lifetime Occupation notion. It’s always fascinating to see how people who have thrown off that SLO idea put things together for themselves.
One of those people is Jason Mraz who keeps building more and more fans for his music. He also is enthusiastic about his other role as an avocado farmer.
It comes as no surprise that he offers some strong advice to others. Here’s what he has to say about creating a rich, full life:
Go be that staving artist you’re afraid to be. Open up that journal and get poetic finally.
Volunteer. Suck it up and travel.
You were not born here to work and pay taxes. You were put here to be part of a vast organism to explore and create.
Stop putting it off. The world has much more to offer than what’s on fifteen televisions at TGIFriday’s.
Take pictures. Scare people. Shake up the scene.
Be the change you want to see in the world.
You’ll thank yourself for it.
I dare you.
I needed to hear this. Thanks, Barbara. It’s a good reminder of where I’ve been, and what I want my life to be about.