Photo by Robert Anasch on Unsplash
By: Stella Orange
This week, I found myself confessing to someone that I did not start a business to help other people.
I remember at one of my writing retreats, years ago, someone said, “Of course I do this work to help people”… and several other people around the big wooden table nodded in agreement.
I was not one of them.
No, the truth is that thirteen years ago I started my business because I wanted to pay my bills.
Not exactly a glorious mission, I know.
But it was – and continues to be – the truth.
For years, I would show up at coaching events as part of my lead generation. And for years, I would hear someone say, “You can make money Living your Purpose!” or some variation on that idea.
And for years, I would quietly tell myself, “but no pressure though.”
I mean, it’s a nice thing, for your work to be your purpose.
But why make it harder for yourself than it needs to be?
Instead, I might urge something more along the lines of “May the work you do mean something to you… may it feel simple and good and of real service… and to those called to work with you may it feel like ‘wow-yes-you get me-hallelujah-wow.’”
But try printing a t-shirt with that on it, eh?
{wink}
Stella
P.S. Boy howdy, have we got some great conversations coming up! If you liked my recent letter about the troll https://lasperegrinas.org/good-gravy-marie-kondo/, we’ve got an Evening with the Troll coming up next Tuesday, September 20th 7:30-9pm ET, with the goal of setting you up to choose what you’re taking with you into 2023 (and what you’ll leave here on this side of December). There’s no cost to attend. Click here to RSVP
And Season Four of our Salons are here! We’ll be talking about how to Edit Your Business… The Art of Welcoming People in your business… and checking in with The Hero’s Journey. Passes to previous conversations from Seasons One, Two, and Three are also available – Tickets and Season Passes on sale now!
Big love,
Stella is cofounder and copywriter at Las Peregrinas, a creative and consulting agency. As our resident word nerd, she writes copy and points out the stories everyone is living and telling through their work. She is also fun at parties.
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