Hop aboard the Love Bus!

Just Own Yourself ™

“What do you want to be when you grow up?”

Ah, that age old question. 

When I was a little girl, I wanted to be a school bus driver.  Lol, makes me giggle just typing that.😊 While all the other kids wanted to be a doctor, a policeman, a fireman, a teacher...then…yep, there I was, that awkward little girl with bow legs and freckles, who wanted to be a school bus driver.  I was always way too self-conscious to admit something so embarrassing, so I never revealed my sweet lil' secret to anyone.  That is, until the real reason dawned on me, and I finally realized WHY I was so drawn to wanting to drive a school bus for a living.

When I was in first grade, I remember having the most kind and beautiful bus driver who would stop near the corner of Londonberry Lane to pick up the school crew every weekday morning.  She greeted everyone with such friendliness and warmth, that one couldn’t help but feel extra special in her presence.  She welcomed us onto the bus with a big bowl of hard candy (this was back in the '70s!) and was always so pleasant and sweet.  There was a permanently etched smile on her face, and a ‘sing-song’ melody to her voice.  What a wonderful way to start the day greeted by a woman spilling over with kindness!

Many-many years later it hit me, it's not WHAT she was doing, but WHO she was that led me to believe I wanted to be a school bus driver.  I wanted to be just like her because of how special and valued she made me feel; because of her cheery disposition and genuine smile; because of the uplifting impact she made on those around her; because of the way she brought joy to each and every child who boarded her inspiring bus filled with love and kindness.

Instead of being defined by something outside of ourselves, a “job” or a “position” we acquire, what if we were to grow up with people asking what qualities we admire in others, what things we enjoy doing, what makes us happy and brings our soul alive.  I think these are the real questions we need to ask.  It is these questions that will lead to a path of fulfillment, as it becomes a discovery of those natural gifts already within ourselves, our inherent passions and  talents; and when our work is based around that, it is then we will find happiness – when it is about WHO we are, not “what” we think we should be doing.

In other words, when how we earn a living matches our interests and passions, it stops feeling like work.  And even if that isn’t how we earn our living, as long as we’re doing something in our lives that enhances those traits, such as a hobby, sport, craft or volunteer work, we feel more alive and our lives flow so much smoother because we are living a more balanced life. 

Just like my unforgettable bus driver from long ago (who never worked a day in her life!), I love making a difference, spreading kindness, bringing joy and inspiration to others.  So I ask you to look for the qualities you admire in others, and then to explore your heart and soul and find those traits and other jewels in yourself.  Also ask your children and other people in your life what they’re passionate about and encourage their interests … and let’s all hop on the joy bus and enjoy and embrace a purposeful passion-filled life!

“To love what you do and feel it matters, how could anything be more fun?” ~Katherine Graham

"Choose a job you love, and you will never work a day in your life."~Confucius

Peace and blessings to all,

~Victoria.

The vibrant JOY design can be purchased on an assortment of products here: www.zazzle.com/owningjoy