Passion and vision. Two things in life we hear all the time. Questions that are asked when we are writing out our stories in applications, local submissions, papers, the list can go on and on. Both functioning as the gas and fuel for our daily lives. Wings that help us fly in those critical moments of transition. It is usually not until we are in this place of transition that immediately our brains automatically think, How can both my passion and the vision align itself and be pursued in my life? Where in the trajectory does it somehow fit into the puzzle in my ideal perfect world that has no bumps or breakage? In that moment it is not long before I quietly say to myself after leaving fantasy world, “….who are you fooling girl, now you know it does not happen like that with a soft chuckle thats ends in a yeah followed by a *sigh*…time to leave fantasy land honey.” Just like that I am transported back to reality with the infamous double clap on double clap off. The lights are shining bright now straight into my face. Reality settles in and I am still left with the same question centered around “the how.” Honestly if I could put it into a nice visualization for you it would look like this: a big MTA bus honking at me so loudly waiting for me to cross the street at the craziest most dangerous intersection ever. Aka for my Brooklynites Eastern Parkway and Utica waiting for that B46….Lord be a fence!! Anyways back to the story…..so all eyes are on me and everyone is waiting for me to move. With big eyes saying, “Girl are you going to go or what?” Along with an eye roll to seal it off. Now, Faith is just standing in the middle of the street and she is screaming silently, “Someone, anyone help me please!!” The clouds start rolling in, light fades…and scene. The curtains close and the moment has passed for the next one to make its entry. As my heart rate begins to settle a realization begins to hover over me that may seem like something so small to one viewer, but was in fact so vital. It is what I have learned to call: the crossing.
At some point in everyones life we have a time of crossing. Whether it be into the unknown, or into the next life changing decision. It can even be something as simple as jumping over that huge puddle nobody wants to get their feet wet in. There are certain steps and changes in life once you decide to cross that you are not able to take back. A decision that leads you down a path that has no redo but instead two outcomes: a detour further away from purpose only to then be realigned, or a path leading closer to purpose feeling its closeness more than ever before. It is in this moment you are left with truly only one choice…face it head on. Whether good or bad…face it head on.
In this crossing almost always the topic of passion and vision comes up. Do I pursue my passion or the vision? Can they somehow intertwine so both can be fulfilled? These questions are a foundation and stepping stool that activates the self reflection needed that sometimes many choose to run away from, including myself. It requires you to enter into an intimate place where everything is displayed out on the table whether we like it or not. In this place there is a moment of pause that occurs where the unveiling of this one decision can change everything. In life we can have a lot of passions, but what I am discovering is that when you have a vision, it requires you to see beyond where and what your circumstances may be saying. In this new sight you are able to allow your passions to both birth and fuel the vision. The tables begin to turn now because with vision means impact. I don’t know about you but when this vision laid on my heart for this blog/business it took my breath away. I had to take a second, more like some weeks, before I actually started to take the steps to make it into a reality. But even in this taking a second I mentioned, many don’t realize as I did not myself that this action of the pause to reflect and reevaluate is in fact a step.
I like to identify it as a pivot that requires a shift. You see in life we are climbing up this staircase. A crystal stair case as Langston Hughes said it best, “ I’se been a-climbin’ on, and reaching landin’s, and turning corners and sometimes goin’ in the dark where there ain’t been no light.” (Poerty Foundation) It is a staircase sometimes where the vision isn’t always crystal clear, and its not as precisely detailed as many would like it to be, but somehow it is exactly what we need. A climb that we cannot shake off or bury even if we tried. A climb that has its own glossary definition where we are left with no choice but to remain open to the unfamiliarity in how we have defined things. A place and chapter where the pages are beyond the capabilities we limited ourselves to, and is now tapping into that vision maybe you have been trying to run away from. What I have found is key in any step within this climb is both the functionality and consistent factor of motion. There is an in depth process all the way to how the foot lifts off the floor and find its way back again rolling through each ligament. Metatarsal to metatarsal. Phalange to phalange. An intricate step by step process that if you choose to rush through in the slightest bit injury is both prone and inevitable. But if you choose to follow through and inquire with patience, faith, and trust, the landing is soft……planted. Then there is room for a rooting and anchoring that is pillared.
So I ask you, how many steps in the climb have you taken no matter the size or distance? Have you let the wings you have begin to fly? Were they rooted in fear or faith? Have you inquired? ….I know its a lot. Take a deep breath. Inhale, exhale. I have great news for you…we are both going to be on this journey together. I am taking these steps right along with you.
Welcome to the foundation of Steps in Faith, Steps in Motion. A daily talk, a daily walk, a daily climb. This is just the introduction to a new script, I hope you take the time to accept your role in that has already been written line by line.
Until next time!
Forever in Faith. Forever in Motion.
Faith Joy Mondesire