“Destiny is no matter of chance. It is a matter of choice: It is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved.”

– William Jennings Bryan

What are you destined to do?  What is your passion?  As the days pass and the potential that hangs in the Spring air bursts into renewal, I find myself thinking about my own life, my own potential, and my own opportunities for growth.  I like what Bryan has to say, and Thomas Edison agreed with him when he said that “genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration.”  So often we allow our own misgivings and feelings of inadequacy to stop us from realizing our potential.

Spring just calls out from all directions, “What are you waiting for?  Get moving!”  Physicists will tell you that an object in motion tends to stay in motion, and an object at rest tends to stay at rest.  The best cure for inertia is to stand up, take a deep breath and start moving.  It is said that the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.  Don’t think about the thousand miles, just think about walking.  Find your direction, feel your passion, and follow your dream.  Imagine how lifeless our world would be if the seeds that lay under the ground decided not to exercise their potential this year.  Imagine how much richer your own life might be if you give wings to your dreams and pursue the passion that lies within you.

For several years, I have felt a tug toward learning to play djembe.  When I would think about it, I would find a dozen reasons to ignore this urge and not take the first step.  I’m too busy.  I’m too old to learn something new.  I’m not as musical as the other students will be.  I’ll embarrass myself.  Last October, I could no longer contain this desire, and I joined a class of new drummers.  As I began to learn the very basic fundamentals of drumming, my passion kicked in; and now I drum all the time.  I could say it is my destiny to play the drum; but I never would have realized that if I just had sat and waited for some magic to make it happen.  One step.  That is all it took.

Potential  + Action = Destiny.

How’s that for Math?  It’s really simple!  If you want to be a drummer, then drum!  If you want to be a painter, paint!  If you want to be a writer, write!  Do it because it fills you up and makes your life richer.  Don’t worry about success or failure.  Other people will always have opinions about the things you do; but don’t let their criticism or praise be what motivates you.  Feel your passion and let your spirit soar.  Embrace your passion, follow your dream, and enjoy the journey to growth — find your destiny.