“When I dare to be powerful, to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid.”

― Audre Lorde

I love the above quote (and Audre Lorde in general), and I find that I return to these words quite often in the midst of fear.

To me, it feels like the world is on fire right now, both literally (I’m writing from Berkeley, CA) and metaphorically. If I am not clear on what I am playing for, I easily get swept up by the maelstrom. If I am not clear on what I am playing for, I can easily become bitter and filled with rage. If I am not clear on what I’m playing for, I lose my footing, numb out, or collapse inward on myself.

Do you know what you are playing for?

Note that this is different than:

knowing what you are up against

or

knowing what’s wrong with the world

or

knowing what’s broken.

Let’s say someone has really got my goat (and I’m like “Hey, man! That’s my goat!!”)…well, then, I might spend days or weeks or even years stuck in anger and condemnation towards that other person. I might waste valuable time waiting for that other person (or that system or that situation) to change (which is not likely).

However, if I know what I’m playing for–what my vision is–I can more quickly extricate myself from condemning what I don’t want, and I can turn my attention to creating what I deeply yearn to see in the world.

Have you taken the time to clarify a personal vision for yourself, for your life, and for the world?

I had the opportunity to write a Vision Statement for my life as part of the amazing LifeWorks seminar with Wings Seminars (big shout-out to Wings!), and I returned to it again as a Leadership Intern with Wings a few years after that. Since that time, I have taken to reading my Vision Statement aloud most mornings at the very start of my day. I find that connecting with my vision regularly helps me navigate my heartbreak and rage, (which are very real and valid if one is paying any attention at all!) and acts as a preventative against cynicism, disillusionment, and despair.

Feel all of your feelings. Tell the truth to yourself and others about what is happening. Get really, really, really angry.

And then: continue to show up again and again in the service of what you love.

So again: What you are playing for?

If you would like assistance clarifying a personal vision for your work or life, I would be honored to support you.