Seek and you shall find

Passion is often sparked by what excites us, what we enjoy, what energises us. On the other hand, purpose runs deeper as it is anchored in what we believe, the values we hold, and the change we want to see in the world. When we lead with purpose, passion transforms, it becomes more than personal fuel, it becomes a force for meaningful impact. And the lens through which we choose to see the world profoundly shapes what we experience. If we move through life in search of excellence, for example, with curiosity, hope, and an openness to be inspired, then we are far more likely to encounter excellence in people, in moments, and in ourselves. On the contrary, if we move through life scanning for flaws and failures, our view narrows, and all we see are problems. What we look for becomes what we find and often, what we create.

““What a piece of bread looks like depends on whether you are hungry or not.””

— Rumi

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Anchored in trust

The strength that stays are:

• Be a safe person.

• Be someone who can be trusted to hold another person’s vulnerabilities, struggles, and fears with care. All while offering wisdom, protection, and confidentiality in return.

• Be someone whose energy and presence bring serenity and joy, creating a sense of security for those around them.

• Be a person whose words breathe life, and whose embrace makes even a stranger feel seen, heard, and loved.

““When setting out on a journey, do not seek advice from those who have never left home.””

— Rumi

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Know it all

We are all aware that there is a difference between wisdom and intelligence even though it’s quite difficult to pin down. You must always be willing to truly consider evidence that contradicts your beliefs, and admit the possibility that you may be wrong. I think that intelligence isn’t knowing everything, it’s the ability to challenge everything you know.

““Sell your cleverness and buy bewilderment.””

— Rumi

"The Guest House"

Another one of my favourite poems is “The Guest House” by Rumi (13th century Persian poet). Rumi speaks about treating all our experiences, whether good or bad as honoured guests. Welcome and entertain them all, even if they are a crowd of sorrows who violently sweep our house of its furniture, still treat each guest honourably. Perhaps, this is clearing us out for a new delightful adventure.

“This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.

A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.

Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they are a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.

The dark thought, the shame, the malice.
meet them at the door laughing and invite them in.

Be grateful for whatever comes.
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.”