Betty White got it Right

In Betty White's new book, If you ask me: (And of course you won't), Betty says "If you live without passion, you can go through life without leaving any footprints."

I believe that this quote hits the nail dead on the head...Over the past handful of years I've been able to truly start to explore and live my passions in life.  One of the most amazing notions that I have truly discovered is that my passions and what I truly find important in life are mine, they don't have to follow any set of predefined standards or rules set by the random norms in life...some of the greatest pleasures come from experiencing aspects of life that destroy the boundaries of acceptable norms.

A couple life changing defining moments:

• Running a program called Cool Club; a program that helps bridge the gap between the students of USD with students with mental and physical disabilities.  This was one of the first experiences in my life that enabled me to define my passion for living and serving others.  To share life with with individuals who truly care more about you and the relationships that they have instead of their monetary value and power in life is a humbling experience.  The students bring back my love for life and give me the inspiration to see the good things in life that I might see as different.  To not be accepted in your own society is absurd but we know it happens everywhere, no matter what the differences may be.  All I can say is that different is unique, and unique is how God created each and every one of us.  These students have taught me more about myself then I could ever teach them.
• Traveling to Uganda during Intersession of my Senior year of college taught me more about myself then the previous 22 years of my life.  Previous to this I had never left the country and I was about to embark on a month long trip to Gulu, Uganda; which is located in Northern Uganda the region of Uganda that was completely destroyed by the LRA, to work with the children that are part of JCRC an aids clinic.  Through this adventure I became to content with who/where I am in life.  I realized that my charismatic likeability and conversational style of life is truly what makes me who I am; being able to sit with complete strangers in conversation in two completely different languages but still connecting on life, being completely present in such a fast paced world but taking the opportunity to slow life down to the minuscule but most important aspects, that is why we were all put on this Earth together.  Realizing that I am completely terrified of most things in life but never once being terrified while in Uganda also spoke strongly to me.  Having struggled with my faith just before departing but then sitting by myself in a church filled with strangers for the first time in a long time I didn't feel alone, my heart was filled with joy and curiosity and for the first time in awhile my faith was strong and intriguing...Uganda is something I am still processing; the experiences, the relationships, the conversations and most importantly the effect it had on my personal being.  (If you would like to know more or see pics, definitely let me know.)
• A little bit different then the previous two...graduating college.  Graduating college with a degree in physics made me realize the true power I have when I put my mind to something that is extremely important to me...and the deep personal rewarding feeling that encompasses such an endeavor; the relationships formed, the life lessons learned and the experiences that help define who I am...

Thich Naht Hahn said "The most precious gift we can offer others is our presence.  When mindfulness embraces those we love, they will bloom like flowers."

So the only question left to ask...is your presence and passions in life leaving behind brushed away steps or footprints accompanied by beautiful blooming flowers...???