“I’m stuck” a stranger said to me.  “And I think its my career.”  You are a life coach?  And I quietly replied, “yes.”  She proceeded to reiterate something she discovered on a test she had taken.  The outcome of the test was supposed to suggest certain pathways of interest.  However, when she said it to me, I didn’t see the glimmer in her eye when we speak of what truly makes our hearts sing. 

I looked at this woman who sincerely wanted to fulfill her inner self.  What was my little morsel of advise I could give her in this chance meeting when I only had a few minutes of her attention I thought to myself.  And my inner voice knew what to say.  I looked into her eyes and I said to her, “forget what all the books and tests say, tell me what your passion is? ” if you were to get up in the morning and do whatever makes you truly happy, what would that be?”

How do I know this?  I know this because I have pondered these same questions in my mind over many years myself.  And I have some wonderful role models who have been instrumental in my life’s journey. 

I will take the time to tell you about a few of them….

I have a friend who runs an apple orchard in Upstate New York.  Not only does he grow apples but he grows peaches and apricots as well.  One day he introduced me to a “donut peach.”  I watched him as he described the peach and how it tasted before he handed it to me.  I saw the passion in his eyes.  It’s as if he went right back to his farm and was looking at the peaches as he nutured them before they were ripe for the picking.  And then, he introduced me to a Sweetango apple and with that same proud look in his eyes, he handed me the piece of fruit.  He is truly dedicated to his farm and is an inspiration for those aspiring young people who have the earth in their bones and desire to plant.

Check out Zingler Farms fruit at the East Aurora Market in East Aurora, NY on Saturday mornings.  And ask for Mike.  I am sure he will tell you all about Sweetango apples and how they are grown!  Here is an article about his philosophy and how the farm started.

 http://www.goodfruit.com/Good-Fruit-Grower/December-2010/Orchards-designed-for-efficient-harvest/

My friend David is an architect in Boston, Massachusetts.  I have had the amazing opportunity to watch him rebuild a house from the foundation on up and design every last detail of every room.  I have fond memories of watching him draw the fireplaces for each living room by hand on the back of a napkin!  Let me tell you, this was no chicken scratch either! Oh and then he drew the detail of the railings and banisters for me over our second cocktail! I was awestruck by his talent.  Not only does David design these incredible homes for people, he also writes music and plays the piano.  And yes, he also draws.  His love of music feeds his soul and his desire to create beauty for others shows in his custom built homes.  I have been an observer of a friend who has gone after his passion in spite of the down turn in the housing market, despite the struggles he faced, no matter what hurdle he had to get through.  He has truly been an inspiration to my creative career as a writer and designer.

Please check out Davids architectural and musical work on his website.  I believe you will find it as breath taking as I do!

And then there is my friend Diana Augspurger..she started a closet design business 26 years ago and it has been going strong ever since.  Diana is one of the most down to earth, nicest people I have ever met!  She was a nurse, a loong time ago.  Her mom owned a high-end women’s boutique clothing store and I think Diana had the same type of “bug.”  Diana is so very customer friendly, you feel like you are talking with an old friend when she comes to your house. 

http://www.creativestoragebuffalo.com/

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These are three of many people who have motivated me to follow my passions.  They get up every day and love what they do for their customers, the community and themselves. 

So, did I say the right thing to this stranger who crossed my path?  Yes, I think so.  I hope that she and I meet again and perhaps I can help her follow her true passion in life.

Kimberley