Dave Matthews and Doing What Brings Us JOY!

Brewing a cup of coffee at 2:00 in the afternoon isn't my usual routine. But it is a necessary act to get me through the rest of this day after a Dave Matthews concert last night. And to help me gear up for our family costume bowling night as a farewell to summer vacation!  


I wouldn't consider myself a huge concert person.  In fact, I've really only been to a handful or two of big concerts.  This was my second time seeing Dave Matthews, and it was AMAZING!   For so many reasons.  First off, I was with my husband and two of our very best friends.  This alone made the 4 of 5 hour drive worth it.  And then, the venue.  The Gorge Amphitheater.  

The Gorge is one of the most scenic places to see a concert.  And when you are with people you love, a warm summer evening, gorgeous sunset, sky full of stars and up front seeing and hearing a great band, it makes for a memory that will last forever! 


Doing What We Love and Using Our Gifts
Standing on our feet for hours. 
Dancing and moving our heads and hands to the music.  
So close to the stage, 
     feeling the beat, 
seeing the way the musicians contort their faces as they soulfully deliver their notes,         
sing from their hearts,
     and become one with their instruments.  
Dave singing the lyrics,
With such passion and intention,
   Filling us....


As I was watching each band member play their instruments, I found myself noticing so much about the way they performed.  Their facial expressions, the way they moved so fluidly with their instruments, sang with such depth and soul...everything about their performance made it clear that they were doing what they loved.  They were sharing their souls with us!  Using their gifts!  And they were so ALIVE doing it.  It made me realize just how powerful it is to be doing what we love or using our gifts.  At least some of the time.


I think all of us could probably think of something that makes us feel most alive when we are doing it.  We can all think of something that we are good at and that we feel we were meant to do.  Not everyone is able to be doing what they are most passionate about when it comes to making a living but many of us find a way to use our gifts in other ways. 


This concert made me think more about what my gifts are and when I feel most alive.  It also got me thinking about how when I'm using my gifts and doing what I am most passionate about, I am giving not only to myself but to the people in my world.  These gifts would include:

• Teaching.  I am so alive when I am teaching.  Being in the classroom, inspiring kids to learn, seeing them become readers and writers, connecting with them on a personal level, sharing my life with them and building a lasting relationship with them...SO WONDERFUL.  When I think about my years as a teacher, I know more and more that I will probably return to the classroom someday.  Even if it does end up being that I am professor teaching teachers to teach.  In some way, I know that I was meant to teach.  It is one of my gifts.  And I feel joyful and alive when I do it.  
• Running.  Even though I will probably never be an olympic runner or world class, running fills me with joy and makes me a better me.  It isn't about comparing myself to other runners.  It is just for me.  And I know that my spirit comes out when I am making running part of my life!  
• Writing.  Writing is a way for me to express myself and share my thoughts and reflections.  It helps me process and come to understandings that I might not have otherwise. 
• Being a Mother.  A role I've always dreamed about.  I never doubted that I was meant to be a mother.  From as early as I can remember, I said that the one thing I wanted more than anything else in life was to be a mother.  And when I stop to be thankful and present with my children, I realize that I'm doing what I've always dreamed of doing.  And it brings me JOY!

1.  What are your gifts or what makes you feel most alive and joyful?   

2.  Are you able to make these things part of your life?  If not as a paid profession, do you still make your passions part of your life in some way?  

Amanda