Stop trying to be understood and bring your gift. Stop trying to be liked and offer your work as if it might actually change someone’s life – because it might.
– David Robinson, The Ground Truth
Last week I wrote about the power of a radical step. In the days since then, I took a radical step – at least radical for me, in that I did something that I had never done before and that took me out of my comfort zone. I wrote a letter to the Democratic National Committee and to the Obama campaign and mailed it. Then I submitted it to the Boston Globe and posted it on my blog. Several people have shared it on Facebook and among the responses I received, the recurring themes were, “Thank you for saying what I feel but didn’t know how to articulate,” and “Thank you for making this important statement.”
Here at the Center for Transformational Presence, we talk a lot about soul mission, the power of personal presence, and how to make a significant difference in the world by how you show up. David Robinson’s quote above says it like it is – no frills, no apologies – just the naked truth. When I get caught up in worrying about what someone will think or how my message will be received, I remind myself of his words. And then I get busy again being who I know I must be (because my heart and soul won’t stand for anything else) and living the message I am here to bring. That message is ever evolving, just as your gifts and message are, too. Sharing our gifts and living our messages, taking risks and going for it – that’s what keeps us alive and kicking.
In the February 2012 issue of INC. magazine, there was a short article about the powerful and inspiring mission statement of Holstee, a New York-based company that sells eco-friendly clothing and accessories. Wow! Passion, co-creation, collaboration, dreams, living in choice, it’s up to us – it’s all there.
The Holstee mission manifesto went viral and has touched millions of people around the world. In fact, you may have already seen it, because it’s now available as a greeting card and as a poster. What’s even more amazing is that Holstee has made more money from selling the cards and posters than they have from their clothing and accessories. They offered themselves and their mission to the world, and that’s what made the difference!
You can experience the Holstee manifesto through a fantastic 3-minute video. Just scroll down to the bottom of their home page. I keep watching it over and over. Each time, my smile gets bigger and my heart gets giddier. Watch it and see what happens inside of you!
Poet Mary Oliver wrote, “What will you do with your one wild and precious life?” Indeed, what will you do? Offer your best gift with no apologies. It may or may not go viral, but I promise you will make a difference in your world.
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