Because of where I live I drive through the “seedy” side of town on my way to and from downtown. And in Vancouver, it’s a pretty intense area. Driving through you will see lines of people awaiting food or shelter. You will see women on street corners. You will see sadness. Deep sadness.
On my way to meet friends, attend networking events, connect with clients I am literally driving through sadness to make my biggest dreams come true.
And yes, it impacts me.
Especially the women on the street corners.
I drive by in my nice car, sitting on leather seats with the AC flowing. And even though my necklace might have been bought at the grocery story, I feel beautiful. I feel confident.
I see these women and think of everything I have that they don’t. Again and again, this train of thought takes me beyond nice clothes and a reliable vehicle, a warm house and healthy food. All those things are great and I’m sure the women would LOVE to have them in their life but there’s something bigger and much more important that I have that they lack.
Opportunity.
And that is everything.
In my life, I have endless opportunities to experience joy, peace, security and love. I get to live in a good, safe neighbourhood. I get to send my kids to French Immersion AND be able to help them with their homework. I get to travel with my family and explore other countries. I get to nourish my body with exercise, health practitioners and rest.
But perhaps the biggest opportunity that comes to mind as I drive by these women is my opportunity to follow my dreams, to go after what I want and do what I know I am meant to do in this world.
I get to live my purpose.
And likely, if you’re reading this, you have the opportunity to live your purpose too.
This opportunity, I realize as I see the pain on these women’s faces, is matched by responsibility.
The responsibility to never let an opportunity pass me by.
The responsibility to follow my dreams.
It’s not a responsibility to scoff at. It’s not something to take lightly. If you are in the position to follow your dreams, even if it means starting small or working late or taking a risk, you MUST do this.
Why? Because your actions will make the world a better place.
More women bringing light and purpose into their everyday makes waves. More women living with their heart leading the way makes an impact. More goodness, more service, more joy, peace, stability and love.
And if there’s more of that in this world I believe some of it will find it’s way to the seedy parts of town, to the long lines waiting, to the women on the corners.
[Tweet “Live your purpose to change the world. #rippleeffect”]
Through our greatness we bring light to many, even those we never know.
I’m Parrish Wilson, and I’ve been working and writing in the field of mental health for over twenty years. Weaving together the worlds of psychology, creativity and spirituality, I craft introspective and transformative writing experiences for groups and individuals.
Moving home…. To a SMALL town. My hometown. 
