I believe in living an intentional life. One with goals, thought and mindfulness. Naturally this is challenged on a near-daily basis by that little thing we call life, better known as work/eat/sleep.
But last night I was reminded that you can, in fact, create an entire life based on your interests and beliefs, and even have fun doing it.
Hubby and I headed to the Kuumbwa Jazz Center for one of the best live shows I’ve seen in ages, The Ditty Bops. Categoryless, their music is an eclectic brew of folk, pop, bluegrass and maybe even a little jazz (thanks to their great keyboardist). With original music as their vehicle, they’re traveling the country on what they’ve dubbed the “Farm Tour” raising awareness of supporting local farmers, eating locally, and eliminating the use of plastic bags. The Farm Tour comes on the heels of their bicycle tour, where they actually road their bikes from venue to venue all the way across the country from California to New York. Their equipment traveled behind in a bio-diesel Sprinter van (which we spied on last night in the Kuumbwa parking lot–their bumper sticker “My other car is a bicycle”).
After a chat with one of their crew (who sold me an American made, soy-based ink t-shirt) I was assured that they are the real-deal. He said “At best, we’ll break even. Everyone working on this tour cut their normal rate in half. Our goal is just to raise awareness.” They even raffled off an Earth Box for the city-dwellers who want to raise their own organic home-grown herbs.
Living their values and sharing them with others on this tour, they sprinkle their creativity throughout. Each wore a homemade dress, one as a sparking carrot (or golden beet) and the other a poofy artichoke skirt. They even have their own comic book, and most of their CD cover art is their own creation.
This energizing concert left me in awe of the way these two women, Amanda and Abby, clearly live their mission. They’ve managed to create a life that includes their many facets of interest (writing, singing, sewing, drawing) while inspiring others to save the planet. And so I wondered, am I living my mission? Is there a way I could include my writing, watercolor journaling, dogs, home projects, biking, and healthy eating to inspire others? I’m still pondering.
And I wonder, do you know what your mission is? And if so, how are you living and sharing it? We’d like to know– share the wonder! Let this video get your inspiration going.