One of the things I really love is observing someone doing something they’re truly passionate about. There is something about the connection, the energy, the passion, that comes when they are doing what they TRULY love. It’s a rare thing to see, actually, but when I get the opportunity, I am often fixated.
Years ago when I was living in California, I attended a cabaret one evening with my boyfriend. At one point in the show a woman was playing the cello, solo. Despite growing up in a musical household with my Juilliard-trained mother, I’ve not been one to be overly drawn to anyone playing this bowed string instrument. I have intense appreciation for music and the enormous amount of talent and hard work required to be good. But truth be told, I would probably go to a Braves Game before a night at the symphony. (Sorry, mommy!) On this night, however, I was captivated. I remember it clearly. The cellist was absolutely absorbed in her work, often her eyes were closed, and you could tell every ounce of her was deeply connected to the beautiful melodies she created. I remember whispering to my boyfriend, “I love watching someone do what they love”. It really was quite something.
The other evening, this happened again. I was invited to the home of my former boss and friend, John Beach. I had worked for John in 2001 in my previous corporate world life, coincidentally as I was just getting into triathlon. (I remember biking on my trainer in the hallway of the office. I would ride during lunch and everyone would bring me back something to eat at my desk so I’d not miss training.) Since then John and his awesome wife, Missie, have had two children, Hatcher, 4, and Brooks, 2. Walking into the home where two young boys were being raised was like walking into a mass energy field. Within seconds of my entry, Hatcher and Brooks were zooooooooming around the house at top speeds. Back and forth, back and forth, balls thrown, forts entered, stuffed animals hurled… I loved it! 
While Missie was finishing dinner, I played games with the boys and John. I watched how he interacted with his kids, his genuine THRILL to throw-down and have fun with them. It wasn’t parental obligation to occupy the kids while his wife prepared dinner, he really was enjoying his children. It was such a special thing to observe…
So after our family dinner, full of laughs and under-the-table tickles from Hatcher, Missie was giving the boys a bath before bedtime while John and I chatted in the living room. I knew him well before the kids and I was really happy to see how his life had taken shape with the addition of his family. I complimented his “daddy skills” and noted how good he was with his boys. He played with them, laughed with them, and the household was genuinely fun and loving… what a place for any young soul to thrive. He then said, “You know, I really feel like I was put on this earth to be a dad, to nurture other souls and provide the foundation for their growth into adults…”
I thought about that as I drove home that evening… how peaceful it must be to be doing exactly what you want, what you believe you’re good at doing, what you feel you were put on the planet to do. Ug. I was envious, almost. I wish that for everyone – that we can all find what we love, and know we were meant for the role or occupation or activity. And with that comes PEACE….
