It's Not a Job

I am fortunate to have a massage therapist who is exceptional.  Ninette can enter the room and immediately tell if I am stressed, in pain (emotional or physical).  She is is not only very well trained but very intuitive.  She has a gift.  But there is something else about Ninette that makes her stand out.  She cares.  She gets excited if I join an exercise class or take a vacation with a girlfriend.  She is excited when I go to the dermatologist and get a mole or a wart removed because she knows I am taking care of myself.  Ninette cares.I am fortunate to have a hairdresser who keeps me colored and well coiffed and is excited when I tell her, "I trust you to make me beautiful! Just do something fun!" Patty tells me she feels blessed to help people look and feel good for their special occasions like weddings, funerals, anniversaries, proms and simple date nights.  She loves experimenting to help each client look and feel their best.  Patty cares.I am fortunate to have a caterer friend who blesses us at our Sanctuary events with her culinary creations that are more than the ordinary. Susan makes most of her food from scratch, not from a box or bag.  She uses as much local as she can find and grows produce and herbs organically.  She experiments with new recipes to help people be healthier and more nutrition-conscious and when she describes her creations she does it with gusto. Susan cares.In my book, Be Your Finest Art, I highlight many more people who aren't just doing a job.  People who have passion for what they do and getting paid for it is a bonus.  They don't consider what they do work. It is fun, exciting, exhilarating, creative, inspiring play.  It is how their creative gifting is  manifested.Being passionate about what you are doing is a key to happy living. Are you just doing your job or are you excited about helping others, serving others, making the world a better place.... one person at a time? Can you find joy in what you do to make a living because you know you are giving your best to the betterment of your community?  If you aren't feeling good about what you are doing, perhaps it's time to begin a New Year discovering and using your best self....in a way that is fulfilling and making your mark in a world that desperately needs people who care.  I hope you will find joy in all you do. Life is short.