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Pat Fiorello
Georgia, USA
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The Art of Designing My Life
I recently came across a quote that reflects my experience of life over the past few years. It goes: “Life is not about finding yourself, it's about creating yourself.”
For most of my life, I lived as I thought I “should.” It made logical sense, was practical and seemed to be what everyone around me was striving to do. I had achieved what others might view as phenomenal success. I had earned an MBA from the Harvard Business School, had a very successful career as a marketing executive in one of the most admired companies in the world - achieving nine promotions in 13 years. My life seemed accomplished. Yet, despite my frequent promotions and increasing paycheck and status, I still felt lonely, restless and unsatisfied, often wondering, “is this all there is?” This may be a familiar thought or feeling that you've had at some point, too.
In November of 1995, I did the Landmark Forum and quickly completed the entire Curriculum for Living. I started to see that just because things were a certain way up until now didn't mean that there weren't other things I could do that would bring me greater satisfaction and would make a difference to others. Many things could be possible; it was just up to me to create what I wanted.
Throughout my ongoing participation in Landmark's programs, I created a purpose for myself that inspired me and felt true to who I am. I made a promise to myself about creating beauty and inspiration around me. I began painting as a hobby when I was 35 after not having painted since the second grade. The idea of spreading appreciation of the beauty of the world around us was exciting and truly resonated with me. I began volunteering with non-profits arts organizations, the local botanical garden and even taught an art workshop that grew out of a project that I created in one of my Landmark seminars. “Art for Non-Artists” is a workshop that I've led to hundreds of people over the past seven years. In just one day, it allows adults who believe they are not artistic, to learn to paint, complete a finished painting, and see that they can paint or do something creative if they want to. It's never too late. In a recent session, I even had an 87-year- old woman taking her first art class.
All that was well and good, but I was still spending the majority of my time and energy in a full time job as vice president, marketing for a Fortune 50 company. If I wanted to inspire people to follow their dreams and live a life they were passionate about, then I had better “walk the talk,” too. So, using what I learned from the Landmark Communication Course, I developed a plan to “retire” from my first career by the time I was 43 and create a life that was more consistent with the purpose I had invented for myself. I announced I'd be leaving my corporate career at the end of that year. On my 43rd birthday, I left the corporate world I had known so well for 20 years and ventured out to my new life - a life of my own creation. It was scary to leave all that I had known, the familiar routines, coworkers, paycheck, etc., and not know if or how things would turn out. But if I didn't take that leap, I think I would have looked back later in life and wondered what could have been. I formed my own business that includes four areas that involve art and are consistent with my purpose of creating a world of beauty, love, and inspiration. They are painting and selling my paintings, teaching art, licensing art, and coaching other artists on the business side of things, so they can get more of their artwork out into the world. I also spend time serving on the boards and in leadership positions for some non-profit arts organizations, to help them achieve their missions of bringing more art to the community.
My experience of my life today, is that I am living a life of my own design. Virtually everything I do is aligned with my purpose of creating a world of beauty, love, and inspiration. Living a life of my own creation allows for power, freedom and vitality in life.
I have another quote on a plaque displayed in my home. “Never get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life.” It is a good reminder that we get to choose how we spend our lives and what is important. Know that you can have a life that you love - one of your own creation -that gives you joy, purpose, and has your true self be fully expressed out in the world.
