I am fascinated by the
idea of intersections. Intersections, from an intellectual standpoint, occur
when independent ideas overlap and thus explain each other in common areas or
give us completely new ideas from the mixture. As I thought upon this
topic more, I began to unravel more intersections in my life. I also considered
this question, "How can my study of cancer history intersect with topics
of personal mission and quest for perfection?"
Once the question had
formulated, I was ravenous to find out. On the bus ride to work, I opened up my
novel and began intently searching in the story for a connection. Given I only
had five or six minutes to read, it was enough. I realized I had made the
connection without fully comprehending it. In my cancer novel "Emperor of
Maladies," I am currently reading about a phenomenal individual named Mary
Woodward Lasker. She was a vivacious and driven socialite in the 1940's, and
was the political backbone for the cancer awareness movement. I couldn't
understand why I had felt so drawn to this character, in comparison to the
others, until I read this morning with the intent to develop a connection. Then
my novel became a personal directive and not just a story.
Mary Lasker and I have
one profound quality in common. We were, at one point, searching to fill a gap
in our lives that could only be filled by meaningful, powerful service. I don't
mean weeding my neighbor’s garden or folding laundry for a widow. While
those activities are worthy opportunities for meaningful service, I am driven
to accomplish something far greater. I have always felt an intense need, not
just a desire, to leave an imprint on the world by utilizing my organizational
and leadership skills and sharing my personal experiences to better the lives
of those around me. I have expressed this thought to my husband often.
Most recently, I held a
position in the Women in Business club where I thought I could make a
difference in the lives of business women. This position was empty for me. It
was nothing more than administrative work - planning parties, ordering food for
catering, decorations, etc. I was frustrated and unfulfilled. As I expressed
this to my husband, he revealed something that has changed my life. He told me,
"Katelyn, I know that I was put here not to become something great, but to
support the greatness in you." It was one of the most moving, emotional
moments of our marriage. It was in that moment I realized I had untapped
potential that I had never acknowledged before. This is the connection I felt
with Mary Lasker. She too had this intrinsic motivation to create a
movement in society to better the human race by eradicating cancer; I have a
similar motivation. A motivation to create goodness in this world in whatever
form that may be - a desire that has left a gaping hole in my life desperate to
be filled.
My husband and I
recently stumbled upon an opportunity that could satisfy this insatiable
hunger. He and his father regularly travel to Vietnam to fit hearing aids on
children in poverty. The same company they travel with has expressed a desire
to kick start similar projects, possibly closer to home. When my husband
informed me of this desire, I was ecstatic. A warmth and passion overwhelmed
me. Could this be my purpose?
Unfortunately, this is
where the story ends. Slowly this opportunity has drifted and disappeared. I
love my husband, but the same desire is not in him, and for this reason there
has been little motivation to follow up on phone calls and emails. It's been
intensely frustrating. As I've watched this budding idea slowly wither, I have
had to ask myself difficult questions. How do the others do it? How do they
start non-profits? Where do they find the time to create societies, be a part
of board meetings, and fund raise? How does this drive to serve translate into
action?
Some part of me believes
this is only a glimpse into the future and the answers to these questions are
not urgent. I am at a point in my life where my focus must be
school and work. I need a degree, and a degree is expensive. Often I have felt
like an anxious racing horse in the starting gate. My current status as a poor
newlywed in school has been inhibiting my progression towards something more
meaningful and profound, while at the same time it has been fueling it. It is
difficult not to become impatient.
Regardless, there are
attributes and leadership skills I need to develop before I am ready to
spearhead a movement as impactful as I dream to. This realization has renewed
my determination and commitment. I can see more clearly now that finishing
my education, for me personally, is less about business aspirations, but is
more relevant to this goal I have carried for much longer.
As my thoughts wind back
to intersections, this realization about my life's "truth" (or
purpose) confirms to me the power in identifying intersections in our lives. As
impactful ideas reach a crossroads with each other, we are given the opportunity
to delve deeper into truth, discover new and exciting directions, and drive continuous
improvement. Always be searching for intersections and give them room to change
your life.
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