The Beautiful Question

About a month ago I discovered the great poet and philosopher, David Whyte.

It was at the Athenaeum Theatre right here in Melbourne.

It was love at first sight when he stepped onto the stage, and when he opened his mouth, it was love at first word.

For four glorious hours we were mesmerised as he shared his poems and stories with his captive (mostly female) audience. He teleported us right out of that theatre and into the rooms and landscapes of his life where he’d penned much of his poetry.

I was hooked from start to finish.

The theme running throughout his magnificent oratory was “The Beautiful Question”.

Throughout each poem and story David was gently and quietly urging us to consider…

What is the question you are not asking yourself?

What might life look like on the other side of that question?

David’s words took me back to May 2010 and the exact moment I’d found the courage to ask myself the beautiful question. I was at a low point in my life. (Pain always leads to beautiful questions.)

On the other side of that question everything changed. Within 90 days I’d sold my home, ended an unhealthy love affair and closed my business. And I found myself living in beautiful Aix en Provence in the South of France with my 12 year-old son Billy.

The time in France gave me the career circuit-breaker I needed to explore my purpose, particularly with regards to my future livelihood.

Now, six years later, I’m doing what I truly love; writing books, speaking, coaching and bringing to life ‘higher purpose’ in individuals and companies everywhere.

I can’t imagine anything I’d rather be doing. What about you?

With love always

Carolyn Signature

 

 

If you’re keen to find out how to bring more purpose to your work-world check out The Purpose Project and Talk on Purpose.