The Broken Vas by Emile Munier (1840-1895)
You have to look at the whole trail behind you to know where you are going.
That doesn’t really make since in the natural, does it?
It’s true. To see where you are going and where your best destination is, you have to look all the way back as far as you can. Say what?
We know better. We are told to forget the past, move forward, don’t look back…truth also.
We can’t live in the past but doesn’t each day give us our form and our shape—for better or for the worse?
Awe, the better—our cherished memories, best experiences, educational highlights, trips, good relationships…happy times!
Or ouch, the worst—our painful experiences, failures, stupid people pain, sickness, heartaches, missed opportunities…discomforts, to say the least!
I am not suggesting camping out with all the negatives nor resting on the laurels of the positives. However, those things have made you and shaped you as who you are now and, they have molded you for the future which you will step into.
As I consult with people I have to dig into their past. If I don’t I can’t help them see their future. Don’t get me wrong, I am not going to take people into their deep heartaches. Yet it is telling and wise to understand those painful seasons which often birth passions resulting in caring for others in world changing ways.
But, what has broken your heart in the past that still fuels a passion for change?
Yet in the positives your life has left a breadcrumb trail leading back to the origins of your skills, purposes, and the things that make you come alive and sparkle. When you light up or delight in what you are doing it also delights others and solves problems!
I have lots of things that I love to be part of or to do. A favorite of mine is helping others to jump into their purposes and delights. Of course there is order and wisdom and timing and all that—but it is a thrilling thing to be part of.
Tell me, what makes your heart sing and what brings you joy in the present and in retrospect?
One of my favorite things as soon as I was old enough was the make up department in a local pharmacy. My first career: Cosmologist, hairstylist, nail tech, mullet cutter…
Look for the trails. There will be a convergence between those things you love, your past, your skills, careers, and callings and that will be the most exhilarating and useful spot to be.
Annette Trucke 