The inspiration you seek is within

They say when you get older, you get wiser or maybe I was always wise (Absolutely full of myself today). I have been using the phrase “when you are in your 40s” for a long time. Reality just turned that number last Friday but I enjoy being Yoda sometimes. This post has nothing to do with my age but for some reason in a zen state these days so thought would pick some Rumi to write about.?

For the last couple of days, I wrote a piece, then dismissed it. Then wrote another one and my communications person dismissed it (Yeah have to listen to them because they know how the earth spins these days). Then had a conversation with another wise one and thought of this idea. What keeps anyone without a?boss going? A freelancer, a consultant or an entrepreneur like me? Different things drive each one so I started deliberating what was it for me.?

Money was never a factor, not even when I had a job. I am not saying money is bad, it is essential. I know people are driven by money and well if that’s what makes one happy or is a necessity then so be it. There are days when I think, I should have banked more so that I would not have to worry about an investor anytime soon. But besides that, I don’t live an extravagant lifestyle. I just want to need enough for the rent and necessities. Once in a while I do like to splurge on a bottle of fancy gin or yummy sushi so need some moolah in the bank but it doesn’t make me get up every morning to keep going.?

So then wondered if it was fame, if it was to build a legacy for me. And no that’s not the answer either. I don’t care if people know my name. Even as a kid, I would do the science projects and let someone else go present and get the prizes. I was always a backstage kid and never enjoyed the limelight. I shy away from the stage if given a choice. Used to have stage fright, still do to some extent since I do not write a speech when I go talk for an interview or a panel.?It is not something that drives me. I am my grandfather’s daughter who insisted his name was not put on any plaque or no ceremony was conducted on his death. Like him if given a choice, I would like no one to know my name and let my work talk for me

Then what is it that keeps me going? What makes me get up each morning and show up to work to give my all?

It is the idea of creating something fascinating. A path that few have ventured on. It is the journey that I will take to get there which is exciting me. I love off-the-beaten-track places. Sonaugi from where this picture is, is one of them. There are different paths I have taken to reach it, from going off-roading with a buddy to a night bus with other friends. Each journey is memorable. I am not saying that the destination does not excite me but the idea of an unknown journey fascinates me more. I am excited by what will I uncover as I find new paths and open new doors in this journey to create VAll.

So when someone asks me the question, what keeps me going? The answer is the inspiration is inside me. It is this want of a journey like I have never had before. Each day I show up, I find a piece of that puzzle that helps me create the path ahead. It is not easy, sometimes I get lost in the noise of legacy and fame. But then I stop, think and listen..

The inspiration that you seek is within you, be silent and listen ..Rumi?