“Don’t ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” – Howard Thurman

Yes!

Focusing on neediness can be a downer, and Thurman’s quote is most uplifting. It follows on the heels of Gilda Radner’s quote I wrote about yesterday, both of which appeared in Daily Guides of the February 2022 edition of “Science of Mind Magazine.”

“While we have the gift of life, it seems to me the only tragedy is to allow part of us to die—whether it is our spirit, our creativity, or our glorious uniqueness.” – Gilda Radner

In my heart and mind, they are related. They speak of passion, of what makes us alive, and going out and doing it! Being all that we can be. Not only is it a loving, satisfying action for the individual, but the world at large benefits. The benefits may take physical form but for sure, the individual provides inspiration for others to go out and follow their passion, express their creativity, be all that they can be.

It was interesting for me to learn that Howard Thurman was an American author, philosopher, theologian, educator, and civil rights leader who was born around the turn of the twentieth century and died in 1981. He played a leading role in many social justice movements and organizations. Thurman’s theology of radical nonviolence influenced and shaped a generation of civil rights activists, and he was a key mentor to leaders within the civil rights movement, including Martin Luther King Jr.

It seems to me Thurman followed his passion, that his spirit was enlivened, and he no doubt made an impact upon others and the world. He practiced what he preached. I’m inspired!