Living A Purposeful Life Through Personal Growth with Bill Murphy

Mike's Mentors Episode 17: Bill Murphy reflects on key lessons, experiences, and learning moments that have helped shape his path through challenges and purpose.

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/wpmurphy

Name: Bill Murphy, East Hartland, CT

Professional: Interviewing for my next job!

What is one of your first memories that taught you something about the world?

• For one of my first birthdays, after I'd learned to read, my family had a really?cool party where I had to figure out riddles with clues in them to find where my presents were located.? I had four older siblings and we lived in a big old house, so there were lots of "coaches" but also many?places to look.? That memory stays with me because I realized how much love and support there was in my family and that while the search was challenging, it could also be fun, and people were there to help me.? I try to carry forward the importance of family and close friends and to try to see the "fun" in my various journeys.

What is one experience that challenged a belief and transformed your viewpoint?

• In my 20s, I had a substance abuse problem that culminated in a serious car accident and arrest.? With the help of a counselor and a recovery program, I was able to overcome my denial and see my addiction for what it was, then embark on a journey of personal development and helping others with the same issues.? I've been on that path for nearly 40 years now, and my life is built on that bedrock.? If I had not been guided that way back then, I shudder to consider what my life might be like now or even if I would still be living.?

What is one identity or belief that you have that people might not know, and how does it show up in your life?

• I devote about an hour each day to prayer and meditation.? Some of it is while doing other things, like walking my dogs and doing some simple stretching exercises, but it's a key part of my trying to approach each day to be the best human being I can for that day.

What are the three values that you bring into each space you occupy?

• Over time on my path of personal & and spiritual growth, I've come to think about 3 specific values I remind myself each day to try to exhibit:? 1. One day at a time - keep perspective by considering what's in front of me right now when challenges overwhelm me, or if I find myself focusing too much on future possibilities.? 2. Live & let live - Try to understand and respect each person's views, words, and actions, and be patient and tolerant?where possible.? We all get there together.? 3. Keep the faith - Continue to take the actions I believe I'm guided to take, even when things are not going well.? Protect my belief that things will work out the way they should and that it will be ok as long as I do the footwork.

Who is a mentor who has shaped or guided your journey?

• In high school, I had an English teacher and football coach named Blair Torrey.? He was truly 'A Man for All Seasons' in that he was an intellectual but also an accomplished athlete and a very effective football and hockey coach.? in addition, he demonstrated what I'd now call emotional maturity; he listened first, thought about his response then responded appropriately.? For example, where some coaches enjoyed ridiculing less talented players, he showed them some compassion and personal support but didn't 'coddle' them.? He was a talented, multi-dimensional person who inspired me to try to be more like that.

What is a dream or goal that you have? What did you do today to achieve steps towards that?

• I want to continue growing in my ability to write and perform music.? I sing and play guitar and keyboard as a solo or in various other groups of performers. It's not my 'day job', but I do devote?a fair amount of time and effort to it now, and I look forward to doing even more in the future.

If you would like to be featured in a future installment of Mike's Mentors weekly spotlight, please get in touch with Michael Duignan or email [email protected]