I love real life. There are so many interesting people and stories just waiting to be heard. Last week I was in one of my favorite work-day-in-the-city experiences, Fresh Market in Brentwood, TN. A place I go often to pick up food, flowers, or to step away on busy days. I was adoring the flowers with a friend. We were picking fun colors for a photo shoot that is coming up and trying out the tone and feel of the flowers available. (and picking out a Gerber for her home and sunflowers for mine) As we enjoyed the moment, James, the person in charge of 
flowers at the market came and shared our love for his work. I am always riveted to someone who has found their passion.
James told us the story of how he came to be in charge of the flowers. Like most dreams come true, James wasn’t aware that his calling was in working with flowers, but they reminded him of his late mother. He was offered a chance to move into the floral area when a position came up. “Sure, why not…” he thought as he 
considered why they drew him in, he realized that all the pictures he has of her involved flowers.
What an “aha” moment. James surely adds to my joy the way he has turned that great memory experience into moments in real time for all of us. What a gift! James wasn’t looking to change his career path, he simply opened his heart and mind to a moment of opportunity and it has changed his life and perspective. (and many other’s daily perspectives as well) I love that.
It is a time in my world for mapping meaningful moments. Do you take time to do that? In my life that looks like reviewing journals, realizing what brings contentment, excitement, joy, and fun and doing more of it in my daily experience. What “brings it” for you? For me it’s all about working with people. Solving problems, and creating…and doing those things with beginners, advanced folks, and folks who have a dream and need a plan to enact it. It’s what we do…identify and meet the needs of projects that empower people.
James risked trying out an option he had never done before in his employment. The opportunity opened new doors, but more importantly it added passion and joy to his life. I love that. He has obviously found gifts he owned and did not know he had in his DNA. His work with flowers, arrangements, and gifts “brings it” …his creations take on a life of its own and spreads joy along the journey. Thank you James, you were amazing and I so will always look for you on Brentwood days…you made an already fab experience even better …and I look forward to sharing your work!
I’ve had the same sort of experience. As a young person, a speaker asked me to assist him in capturing his concept in words. That began a life of writing and ghost writing that has brought much joy to my life. Later, I realized that teaching and facilitating in the classroom was only one vehicle, but creative strategy and cultivating projects allows me to do all the things I love through many vehicles….and so it began.
This day I hope you will take notice of when those meaningful moments happen in your life. Is it the flowers you bring to the office, the writing you do in your journal, the acts of performing your professional roles, or….
Where is your joyful place? What “brings it” for your daily life…
