And part of my exploration has included a caution about how big and impactful purpose “should” be. It seems to me that purpose that attracts attention and bright lights – deservedly – often sets an unspoken standard for many of us. As wonderful as “big impact Purpose” can be, it’s the little p’s or “purpose” that are everywhere…for us to observe, receive, acknowledge and, when ours, to share with the world.
A little “p” purpose may be an idea that starts via some seemingly unremarkable inspiration…then we share it, attracting others to spread the impact with others in our connected human community. Perhaps my best example is my cancer fundraising cycling team, The General’s Guard. I was driving to Austin by myself in June 2006 as my dad (aka The General from his Air Force years) was early in his cancer fight. I wanted to do something for dad and it just came to me on I-35 South to start a cycling team that would raise funds for cancer survivors through the Livestrong Foundation. This organic notion has carried on ever since with a group of guys who love each other, do good for others ($600,000+ raised for survivors in our 18 years)…this purpose is now just part of who each of us is today. It’s a part of me everyday.
I hope anyone reading this will connect with a quiet small purpose already active in your life or a new one ready to emerge that naturally brings out joy in your giving to others!
-Michael
Michael Martin has participated in multiple Baja and online MEA workshops, two reunions, loads of MEA webinars and is a daily Wisdom Well junkie…usually read right after an early morning bike ride! A devoted daddy to 4 adult daughters and his dog Blanca, his professional purpose – to advocate for and advise businesses on clean energy – didn’t come around until age 49…better then than never!