36 Who Do You Think You Are?
Who do you think you are?
Who I am is a person who is very committed to helping people realize
their full potential in both their business life and their personal life. I am
very service-oriented and helping people to grow, stretch, and learn is
very important to me. My personal growth is a high priority.
What event or series of events led to your discovery?
I’ve seen a lot of pain and loss in my life. By age seven, I had lost both of
my favorite friends. By age thirteen, I was studying different religions,
going with friends to their churches, reading Buddhist and other self-
discovery texts. It just happened naturally. I was drawn to learning why I
was here, what it all meant, and what my place in the universe was.
At age fifteen, I went to EST (Erhard Seminars Training). What
struck me as life-altering was the message that we are 100% responsible
for our own lives. It was exhilarating! It was all up to me; I could shape
my life however I wanted! WOW!
I’ve had a wild ride since then, trying on different lives. I was a
celibate Buddhist monk for 7 years because that’s how I thought I could
help reduce human suffering. But after a while it became clear that the
path for me was to dive into the middle of human existence, roll around
in it, and reduce suffering from that vantage point—from helping others
to help themselves. So I broke my vows, got a burger and a boyfriend,
and continued on my quest.
My volunteer work in hospice has been profound and humbling.
It constantly reminds me that we never know how much time we have.
We need to live NOW. Serve now. Love now. Be the difference you want
to see in the world NOW.
If you could give advice to those who are still searching for their
purpose in life, what would it be?
Well, we’re all on the path, and always will be! It’s important to invest the
time to find out who you are. The path doesn’t just make itself clear without
some searching. You have to make the time to develop a relationship with
your own version of God, to meditate, pray, get still by whatever method
works for you. As you practice quieting your mind, you will begin to receive
messages that will help you get better direction on your path. Slow down, be
still, and listen. Then dive into the world and serve!