How Doing What You Love Can Change The World
Posted on Jan 25, 2012 | 28 comments
Am I changing the world?
C'mon. I've got a tiny blog and I've saved some money to travel - big deal. But I'm doing more than I was before. I'm on the right track. And because I'm finally doing something I love, I'm starting to believe I might be able to make some real change in the future.
I've put myself in plenty of situations where I didn't love what I was doing. There were times when I was in school, at work, or even hanging out with groups of people where I just didn't feel like I belonged. And I know, just as many of you do, that when one finds themselves in these situations, it's pretty hard to focus on anyone else but yourself. When we're unhappy, we tend to wallow in our own misery. We focus on getting out instead of moving forward. Some more than others of course, but we all do it nonetheless. And when we're not happy with ourselves or our situation, there's really no chance of us being able to help or change anything else.
The last thing I want to do here is play therapist. I'm far from qualified. Honestly - I'm still learning how to take care of myself. And besides, you know yourself better than anybody - you'll figure it out.
I will say that it took me way too long to accept the fact that the travel game and this website were for me. I knew it for years. I made excuses and found reasons to keep working and challenging myself with things I didn't really love, and it got me and everyone around me nowhere. I worked OK jobs and went through the motions of life for 15 years before I decided to go get it and change things. And changing things was hard, but now it seems I found my magic ticket. I've got something that I really love doing. My wife loves that I love it, my kids love that I love it, and I'm starting to understand that other people out there love it too.
I didn't wake up with the idea to change my life and do something different. I had chance meetings with people. People who had planted their simple, heartfelt ideas into a conversation, or an email, or a website, and I bought in. These people loved what they were doing and had to share it with the world, and their sharing literally sparked the change in my life.
Now, I'm sure you want to know who these people are. I'm sure you would love to be inspired to create change just as much as I was, but that's something you've got to find on your own. My inspiration may not be your inspiration, and I'm not going to mess with the process.
What I will tell you is that the people who shared their ideas with me loved what they were doing, and they just couldn't help but share it with others. It's sort of like that great little back-alley gem you find that makes that one-of-a-kind sandwich - you just have to tell others about it because it's so good. And beyond that, you have to throw people in the car and make sure they try it because they just won't get it until they do. That's what's it like to do what you love everyday. You have to share it. Not 'cause you want to boast, but because you want others to feel the same way about life and work as you do. And if you can get people to understand that and work towards it, then you're creating change. And if you can create enough change in one person, then you can do it in two. And if you can do it in two, then there is no stopping you from changing the world.
A year ago today I wrote my first blog post. It was alright, but really I had no idea how to do anything. I couldn't even format the text I was writing. I wasn't on Facebook, or Twitter, and to this day my friend is the only one who has commented. I was writing to nobody. I had ZERO connections in the travel world and I had no idea if we would be able to travel. I just wanted to try something new and I believed this might work. I remember being scared crapless about writing something and putting it out there, but I had to try and do something I loved so I could change my world and maybe help some people out along the way.
It sure took me a while, but I'm glad I finally did it.
There you go now you have two comments!! Didn't want your bestie to be lonely!!! I think you're right about change. If we can change ourselves there's a good chance we can change others, one person at a time!! I think I'll focus on the kids - they can't say no to me!!!
Tracey recently posted..This is what Durian does to your facial muscles!
My bestie - That is great! I guess on some level I do sound like a 12 year old girl!
I as well will focus on the kids and family. That's the best place to start!
Congrats! A year on blogging is an awesome achievement!
I truly believe that a blog based on something you love is the perfect way to open doors and draw yourself into the life you dream of.
Thanks Serena. I don't think you could have a decent blog if you didn't love what you're blogging about. It sure does open doors.
A very inspiring post. I can relate - I just started my blog and am learning as I go. Keep up the great work, and keep doing what you love! Enjoying life is the only true success.
Stick with it Sara. I just left a comment on your blog and shared your Mexico city post on Facebook. With the attitude you have now, you'll get to where you want to be. Thanks!
And you've certainly changed our lives it occurs to me! You introduced me to the tribe which has made our trip a whole different experience!!
I think you did it actually. You put yourself out there. All I did was click a button. And speaking of jealous. I am in an office right now - where are you?
Hehe. I think I was on the train to Penang with a grizzly bear when you wrote that!!
Tracey - Life Changing Year recently posted..Kuala Lumpur to Butterworth overnight train – who let the grizzly bear on the train?
I knew it!
Wow. You have done so much in one year! Imagine what you will do in year 2! And 3 and 4!
Paige AllOvertheMap recently posted..Orval: A family tradition
4 years! That will be a changed world for sure!
Thanks Paige!
Great post. I find it's very true as well - if you don't rise up to try to change your life for the better, you definitely get stuck in a rut. I was stuck in one for a few years as well before deciding I didn't need to have a certain job or a certain lifestyle to make other people happy... I needed to make myself happy. Keep inspiring!
Dayna recently posted..The Internal Cost of Travel
Thank you much Dayna. I hate those ruts, but I stumble into them often. Got to keep moving.
Fantastic, Justin. There's something about that sweet spot that's just so sweet. You're an inspiration for having found yours. Your blog reminds me of Jerry McGuire's Mission Statement. The simple look of your blog even has a Catcher and the Rye kind of feel. And as the guy at the copy store in that movie said, "that's how you become great.... you hang your balls out there." (I hope that last line does not prevent this comment from being approved!
Clark Vandeventer recently posted..10 Reasons Not to Wait Until You Retire to Travel.
I never thought that was real in Jerry McGuire. I always thought more people would have gone with him. I would have held the door.
All comments approved - so far anyway!
As someone else who is justed getting started in the world of blogs, writing, and on the big picture side, figuring out what I am passionate about and finding something that I can be excited about each and everyday I get up, I hear ya. Good post and I look forward to seeing more. Kudus to fellow blogger Clark V. for linking me to it.
Chris recently posted..Denverite Abroad: Japanese Beer Review
Glad you're here Chris! I checked out the blog. I know many a person in Denver. Maybe when we come out you can give me a tour for the blog.
I'm sure Clark V told you the secret to blogging successfully, but just in case, whatever you do - DON'T EVER STOP! You keep working at it, and it will happen. You have my totally made up, 100% guarantee on that!
I am so glad I found your blog (thanks to Nancy from Family on Bikes for that!), I really enjoy reading what you have to say. Last summer, my husband and I made the decision to take a year off to travel with our kids in about 4 years time. We have just a couple more months before our bills are paid off and then we start saving and really planning. It is great to find blogs, books, anything here and there that keeps us inspired. Your blog is one of them - thanks!
That is so great Susan! Ideas on where you're going? What a trip that will be. make sure you let us know if there is anything we can help with, and I'll thank Nancy for introducing us.
Hi Justin!
We plan to travel the USA and Canada. Our focus is to get outdoors, spend lot's of time doing things we like such as camping, hiking, kayaking, and visiting friends and family living anywhere from Boston to Anchorage. If that is successful (I just know it will be!) I am hoping we can take another year off when our girls are older and travel internationally. Best to you and your family. This must be such an exciting year for you all!
Time flies and the countdown has already begun! You guys got your Wonka ticket and will start the new adventure before we know it! Awesome! Gotta go for your dreams!
Great post, doing something you love means you're much more likely to spread positivity - something the world could use more of. I made a big career change 18 months ago when I moved to Germany and I've never been happier, plus with my new schedule (I'm self employed) I now have time to walk dogs from the animal shelter every week, so there's my small contribution to changing the world.
Laurel recently posted..The Bavarian Dish I Will Not Be Trying
Thanks Laurel! Great to hear you're changes are working out. They usually do when you go do something you love. And your blogging and sharing - that is good too! Little bits of good make a big difference.
Congratulations on one year of change!
. Maybe that has to do with the change happening from the online networks and the blogging. What do you think?
I shall be honest with you and share what I told my wife Annemarie last weekend. I turn 42 this weekend and one way or the other I had the feeling that this past year didn't just fly by like some of the years in the past. It felt like it has been a long time (in a positive way that is
Anyway, I love your post! You have already traveled a long way...and the actual trip has not even started yet..
Emiel recently posted..Worry about anxiety? Don’t! (or: Why I disrupt my comfort zone)
I agree Emiel - it's been a long and prosperous year!
Happy B-Day!
Happy Anniversary, Amigo.
Jenn Miller recently posted..Xin Nian Kwai Le! Happy New Year!
A thought-provoking post, Justin. Congrats on the anniversary!
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