Three ways to Live an Impactful Life

I recently had the opportunity to visit the Keith Haring exhibit at the Broad Museum, and I want to share a quote from the artist that was thought-provoking. As I entered the gallery, these words greeted me, "My contribution to the world is my ability to draw. I will draw as much as I can for as many people as I can for as long as I can." Keith Haring

His prescription for living a fulfilling and productive life can be encapsulated in just those two sentences. I believe these words hold valuable insights for each of us, guiding us toward a more meaningful existence.

In my journey through the exhibition, I couldn't help but be inspired by Haring's awareness of what he was here to do. Despite his tragically short life of 31 years, he accomplished exactly what he set out to achieve. His message holds valuable lessons for all of us, particularly in our pursuit of a fulfilling and impactful life.

Here are three points inspired by Keith Haring's prescription for living a meaningful life: 

1. Discover your unique contribution: We are all brought into this world with a purpose, but sometimes we lose sight of it or allow others to define it for us. It's essential to set aside time each day for reflection, to listen to your inner voice, and ask yourself, "What do I have to offer? What does the world need from me?" Be still and receptive, allowing the answers to emerge. It may take time and patience, but trust the process. Keep a notepad handy to jot down any inspirations or tidbits that come to you. These could be the breadcrumbs guiding you toward your answers.

2. Create a plan to share your gift: Once you have clarity on your purpose, it's time to develop a plan to bring your gift to the world. Just as Keith Haring proclaimed his intention to draw for as many people as possible,  aim to share your talents, skills, and passions with inclusivity. In a world often clouded by negativity and division, find ways to reach and connect with a wide audience.  Your mission should not be limited to a select few but should have the potential to inspire and impact the masses. 

3. Leave a legacy: Keith Haring's commitment to his mission remained unshaken even in the face of adversity. Despite being diagnosed with AIDS, he continued to produce art, ensuring that his creative legacy would endure beyond his lifetime. Similarly, how can you embrace the concept of "for as long as I can" in your own life? Dedicate yourself to your mission, persist through challenges, and create work that will impact others long after you are gone.

While not a lot of the art in the exhibition may have resonated with me, I realized that the important thing isn't pleasing everyone but rather learning and speaking my own truth. He certainly spoke his truth. By sharing our authentic voices and experiences, we have the power to make a profound impact on the lives of others.

 Embark on your journey because it is yours to do.   Explore your purpose, create your plans, and persevere in the face of obstacles. Your truths have the potential to help and inspire those around you, contributing to a more fulfilling and meaningful life not only for you but also for many others.

On my journey back home, I couldn't help but reflect not only on the exhibit itself but also on the remarkable awareness Keith Haring possessed regarding his purpose in life and his unwavering commitment to it. Despite his short life of only 31 years, he achieved exactly what he set out to do.

Wearable Tracy

The most amazing things happen for me when I attend Ayse Birsel’s Design The Life You Love Virtual Teas. 

Most recently, I met Lee Kim in a breakout group and she was wearing a magical hat made out of pipe cleaners.  When my turn to give input to the question we were given to discuss.  I asked for a story about the hat she was wearing which had nothing to do with the theme of our breakout group.

Facebook has given everyone the gift of being appreciated and celebrated on their birthday. 

Lee Kim noted via Facebook that it was her friend, Tracy’s birthday and she had not sent her a gift or a card.  She wanted to do something special and creative.  Creative because they met at the University of Wisconsin Design Thinking workshop and maintained their friendship.  She went to the Dollar Tree Store and bought some pipe cleaners. 

That idea alone would have stopped me.

 

She decided to design a whimsical birthday hat.  When she finished she took a selfie and sent it to her friend Tracy. This became a project that developed legs of its own and became not only a creative expression but also a social experiment. 

She had planned to do it for one year and it has now been 4 years.  

There are rules created by Lee Kim when wearing your Tracy hat.  She has actually named them Wearable Tracy. 

Wearable Tracy Hat Rules:

1. If someone asked you about the hat, you must get their name and share yours. 

2. Secondly. you must wear the hat in situations where you might feel uncomfortable. 

Wearing TRACY HAT IN LA:

I recently wore my Wearable Tracy to dinner one night at a chic Los Angeles west side restaurant.  I walked into the restaurant knowing that I was sporting a crown. I walked by the first table in the restaurant and was stopped by a woman at the table.  She commented on my hat and I asked her name and shared mine.  I told her the hat had a story and shared it with her. 

At the end of the evening, she came over to my table and asked to put the hat on because that day was her birthday.  I thought about giving her my hat but I knew I had more lives to touch.

The New Yorker magazine wrote an excellent article and also distributed a documentary that filmmaker/friend Emily McAllister made.

There are so many ways to find your voice and Lee Kim has found hers with Wearable Tracy.  Thank you Lee I have so much fun wearing my hat and connecting with the most interesting people.