“Can you guess what this is?”
Ralph wore an infectious grin. He owns the charming Homestead B&B where my wife and I recently stayed. I examined the thimble-sized white container he held out to me, then gave up in confusion.
“It’s a regular styrofoam coffee cup,” he said. “I tied it to the outside of the submarine James Cameron took down to explore the Titanic. The water pressure shrunk it perfectly.”
For thirty years, Ralph has been in the television production business, filming everything from a Titanic documentary, to a lavish event by the royal family of Dubai, to John Travolta’s fiftieth birthday party. He talked animatedly about his work, his fascinating collection of treasures at his B&B, and his twin grandkids. He exuded passion and joy.
“Come look at this!”
Philip, owner of the Savvy Tea Gourmet, led me to a beat up cardboard box covered with international shipping labels. “This just arrived from Nepal. It’s an amazing tea that grows a mile high in the Himalayan Mountains.”
He gave me a tour of his shop, encouraging me to smell and sample a variety of unique teas from around the world. After enthusiastically sharing the mental and physical benefits of each type, he said, “Beyond that, drinking these teas is just a really enjoyable experience. Isn’t that what it’s about?” He exuded passion and joy.
“What brings you joy?”
Melissa posed the question to my author wife Lisa McMann during a Joyful Learning podcast interview. In addition to being a podcaster, Melissa is a school librarian, a champion of kids books, and a maker of a variety of delightful cloth items. Her “maker’s space” screamed creativity, and her eyes glowed with excitement as she talked about her various interests. She exuded passion and joy.
As I walked away from each of these amazing people, I found myself recharged, motivated and inspired. Their dedication to their passions made me want to rededicate myself to mine. Their vibrant enthusiasm for life made me want to develop that characteristic more deeply in myself.
How about you? Could you use more passion and joy? Find passionate, joyful people. Spend time with them. Ask questions. Listen to their stories. You just may find a joyful wind blowing through your own life, and you’ll take another step toward Becoming Yourself.
This post was originally published July 30, 2022.