Changemakers: Time to Get Jealous or Get Inspired?
Posted in hints of inspiration by on Jun 26 2011
You know those stories you hear about people giving up everything to follow a dream, a calling? Perhaps you have one of those stories yourself. I have always been inspired by people who had the courage to go against the norms and “be the change.” They have served as role models and visionaries in my quest to make my own mark in this world.
My friend Brian did just that thing when he quit his job in 2009 looking to enjoy life to the max, traveled across the country and relocated to Hilo, Hawai’i. There, Brian continued to do what he loved (play and coach soccer)…but he was not done. So, he decided to go to Africa to coach for Coaches Across Continents. For two summers now, Brian has voyaged to various impoverished African countries, including Namibia and Botswana, to share aloha, his love for the sport of soccer and life skills to all who will listen. Countless children now have different lives because of the role that he has played in them and the knowledge that he has shared.
Brian and I first met as soccer players at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology. I was two years behind him, but we had a few good years of camaraderie and parties before I had to bid him and his hunky teammates adieu to their pending college careers. He was always a bit of a renegade, even then. We did not stay in touch very well…would perhaps hear of each other every now and again (there might have been a Christmas hot tub party or two). But twelve years later, I took a right turn off the highway that my life had taken to move to Hawaii on a soul journey adventure. He heard about it, and we reconnected just before he started his own journey. Through the magic that is purpose, we are now teammates again…in the game of life.
One of Brian’s recent blog posts (getjealous.com) stopped me in my tracks. He (very eloquently I might add) described the benefits that he has received from being a changemaker. I would like to share his thoughts with you. I could not have said it any better myself! (Brian, if I did not know any better, I’d try to entice you back into a “real job”!)
“The best thing of all from this decision to abandon the conventional lifestyle is the new relationships to go along with all my existing ones. I have met hundreds of new friends who have their own ideas, views, and perceptions of the world. Their thoughts have influenced my own and convinced me that the world is a good place and that anywhere you go you can be safe, happy, and content. Relationships make the world go round. It is our interactions with people, not our accomplishments, that determine the value of a life.
The second best thing to come about from my leap of faith is the excitement in not knowing how it will all turn out. There is great anxiety in change. The known world is very comforting and routine has a way of putting us at ease. It is why changing jobs, homes, and relationships is very difficult. But having been through momentous change on a daily basis I can assure you that there is something very liberating that comes with new experiences. You see things from a different perspective, you hear varying ideas when you speak with new friends, and you have new stories to tell along with your old ones. All you need is faith in your abilities to land on your feet and the knowledge that the world is full of good people and kind souls who will look after you when you need it most.
Now somewhere along the way I have developed what I believe to be the secret of life. It really isn’t that difficult. All you need to do is to figure out what makes you happy and to pursue it with reckless abandonment. I highly encourage everyone to find out what makes you truly happy. It might be your family, traveling, working for charity, sports, a hobby, or all of the above. Now figure out how to make that a bigger part of your life. Strip away all the unnecessary elements of your life and focus on increasing your time pursuing what makes you happy. When you do that, your enjoyment of life will increase and your frustrations will decrease. It really is that simple.”
It’s the butterfly effect. One action, your actions, can make a difference. You can be the difference. You can see the difference. It’s all around you. It’s about change. And, it’s a choice.
In honor of Brian’s inspiration, this next vacation, join the team! Voluntourism is now a word. Check it out, I think you’ll find something that makes you happy. And, if you want to learn more about Coaches Across Continents and to support, send Brian Suskiewicz a message here. Aloha!
