Yesterday, I wrote about a concept that has been bubbling within me for quite some time—Creative Impulses at 65 on Make it a Great Monday. I also shared more about a work-in-progress book project, ‘RELEVANCE: From Beginning to End.’
Living from a place of creative impulses.
Living from a place of creativity isn’t just about following fleeting ideas or whims but tapping into a bottomless well of purpose, curiosity, and the unique gifts we each have to offer the world. Too often, we go through life settling for things we don’t truly enjoy or simply doing what we think we should do. But what if we could design our lives aligning with our passions, values, and creative impulses?
This idea resonates deeply with me, especially as I further develop RELEVANCE: From Beginning to End. The project explores a couple of central questions.
- How do we find a sense of purpose throughout the different stages of life?
- How do we begin our careers with intention, maintain that sense of purpose through the highs and lows, and then, as we near the end of our working lives, use our wisdom, resources, and skills to give back to the world?
Purpose doesn’t have to be elusive. Purpose doesn’t have to be for the lucky few. Instead, it can be cultivated, like a tree with deep roots that support its growth and branches that spread far and wide. That tree, to me, represents relevance—both in a personal and communal sense. It stands for stability, growth, and the spreading of wisdom and resources as we navigate the different seasons of life. The imagery aligns with the message at the book’s heart: we are all interconnected, and our contributions have lasting impacts.
This might just be THE secret to a long and happy life.
As part of this project, I am featuring a few ‘RELEVANCE’ case studies. These case studies feature individuals living out their lives from a place of purpose and creativity. Learn more about Charles S. McDowell, Jim Chapman, and Ricky May – an attorney, an architect, and a sports business entrepreneur. Three exceptional individuals who stayed relevant throughout their careers and then found unique ways to share their wisdom and resources with their communities.
- Charles S. McDowell, ESQ. | Board Chairman | Board Chairman REACH Riverside
- Jim Chapman | Principal of Chapman Design Studio
- Ricky May | Founder of Carolina Blue Honors Fellowship
Each of these individuals have found ways to maintain relevance well past what most consider working years. Their stories testify that we don’t have to settle for things that are unfulfilling. Instead, we can create a life that resonates with our deepest values and passions.
Do you know someone who would make a good RELEVANCE case study?
I’m looking for more individuals living from this same place of intention, especially during what I call the “giving back” years. Please let me know if you are aware of or connected to others whose stories fit this framework.
Stay whole!
