So often as changemakers, we keep our foot on that accelerator no matter what - without thinking about the quality of the journey on the way. But what if the quality of our purpose journey was as important as the destination itself?
Getting Lost In The Race
A little while back, I was driving down to the South of France to go on holiday. I wanted of course to get down as quickly as possible. And so I set out on the shortest route and put my foot on that accelerator - aiming to stop as little as possible on the way.
Things didn't go according to plan. There were a lot of accidents and car breakdowns on the road. The temperature hit 40 degrees and the air conditioning struggled. I got stressed and hot.
Suddenly it looked like winning the race I had set myself just wasn't going to happen. And there was no point having my foot all the way on the accelerator - when it seemed the whole of the motorway system was at a standstill.
What Are We Really Trying To Do?
Eventually, in the midst of the chaos, there was a turning point. Faced with sitting in a one hour traffic jam, I realised I had a choice. I could sit in that traffic jam where things were getting aggressive. Or I could instead go and sit under a tree and make a call I needed to make calmly and in peace.
By the time I finished that call the traffic was flowing again. Yes I 'lost' an hour to my destination - but I actually enjoyed that hour of the journey under that tree - which was super productive.
In that moment I realised that I was travelling through some of my favourite places. And that maybe I could switch the game.
Instead of a race, I could turn it into an adventure.
Embracing The Adventure
The traffic was still doing its thing. But by then I was actually enjoying myself. I understood that I may not be able to control how fast I could get to my destination. But I could definitely enjoy the journey there. Normally I rush through this part of the country although my heart loves it dearly.
And so when google maps told me that I might as well ditch the motorway for the rest of the journey - as the side roads would ironically be faster - I went for it.
I found myself in beautiful vineyards - taking in the gorgeous light that has inspired painters for over a hundred years. I breathed in the peaceful energy near my favourite power spot - the Mary Magdalene refuge. I took in the smells of pine trees and the sounds of crickets. And I felt grateful.
The Quest Of Being Ourselves
Instead of a mindless rush, the trip had turned into a delicious experience - where I became present once again to all the things I love and to that move me deeply. Rather than the expected frustrating line of traffic, it became the sweet remembrance of who I really am and what makes life precious.
It reminded me once again how our purpose is not about how fast we reach our external destination. But it is the adventure of how much of the tonality of our unique essence we can experience and share on the way.
Until Next Time,
Louise
WE ARE ALL BEING CALLED TO ADVENTURE.
We truly believe that we can do this. That, if enough of us commit to being purpose-led changemakers and to evolving the world by being uniquely ourselves, we can create a new world - where we all flourish together deeply valuing prosperity, people and planet.
What it takes is for us to remember who we are really here to be, do what we are here to do and make that difference only we can make. By igniting our potential, actualising our purpose and up-levelling our impact through our lives, work and leadership.
So join us by signing up below to Our Broadcasts From The New to receive weekly inspiration through our shorts, letters, messages and information about our programmes and whatever else we feel called to create to support you. Look forward to being on this adventure together!
Louise Le Gat, Founder Of The Purpose-Led Company
