I want to change the world. I’m small and insignificant. These two sentences can probably sum up the human condition. Life has to have a purpose. And this is more than true for professional life as well. We need to feel that we contribute in a way to our society, that we can make a difference for the better. Ok, but how?
Let me share with you a story.
My generation is bombarded for over a decade with impossible situations such as an ongoing severe economic crisis and most recently the 2020 pandemic. For Greece in particular this translates into a huge number of young folks leaving the country in search for a better future, meaning a not so great future for Greece.
I was one of those people that left 4 years ago in search for a better life. And not because I didn’t like Greece. On the contrary. My intention was to first help myself by living a prosperous life some place else so that afterwards I could help my country somehow. In my mind this looked like the instructions given on the plane; put the oxygen mask on you first, then you can help the others.
Those that live or have lived over a long period of time abroad are probably familiar with Greece’s bad reputation lingering all over like a very annoying fog. Especially around Europe there’s this idea that greeks are second rate EU citizens, that they’re lazy and unreliable. Many times I felt patronised about how we should know better and that we brought it all on ourselves. Talking with people that I mistakingly considered educated, I realised that they have formulated specific opinions about things that they’ve never read and know nothing about. Like for example why they are so privileged today. Like for example how colonisation was involved in their country’s progress. Or that their wonderful reality and financial security is possible because some other less fortunate countries fought wars for them and got entirely destroyed.
Greece is a country full of flaws, and built mainly on false political decisions. Like every other country in this world. Apart from that though is also a place of unparalleled beauty, incredible history and cultural background and inhabited by intelligent, diligent and warm - hearted people. I just couldn’t stand the idea of false accusations and impressions being perpetuated.
And then it hit me. I realised that telling visual stories could be the vehicle to communicate a personal perspective and thus a more humane one on this impression. To tell a story, about eternal summers, bright skies and mind blowing ideas. To impose optimism and a different perspective. To reverse a well established bad reputation is very hard, especially when as an individual you play a teeny tiny part on your country’s political decisions and general direction. Yet what we can all do is to act with love and respect and intention and to take the responsibility. To be our best selves. Everyday. To speak highly of our country’s past, present and future, because it is our life and integrity that we defend.
While acting with these principles in mind, my work became a reflection of those thoughts and emotions. Interestingly I found my personal vehicle to contribute. It became my mission to cultivate all the positive and beautiful things, the memories, history and rich tradition of my country and to communicate these into visual stories. Through concepts and photography I could highlight the landscape’s spirit or the beauty of the perfect imperfections of a family’s heirloom. The most important thing though was that I could offer to everyone a chance to interpret the story from a place of love.
We all have a special “superpower”, that’s for certain. To find this superpower isn’t an easy task. To discover our personal mission and purpose isn’t easy either. While struggling to find your own voice it is quite possible that feelings of desperation and anxiety will arise. That’s a good sign. That’s a sign that you do the work. My gift to you for this journey are a couple of questions that helped me figure out some things for myself and maybe you could put these in good use too. Answer them with a true heart and a clear mind.
1. What used to spark joy when you were a kid?
Remember what you spent your time with back then. The things that made you lose track of time sometimes. Real passion, talent and skills flourish inevitably when there’s no pressure to prove yourself to anyone. What you did back then and sparked joy is most probably one of the strengths that you can use today to help others.
2. What other people mention as your unique skill?
Pay attention to what the people that know you well say about you. How a quality or skill of yours helped them. Or what makes them come back to you. Is that empathy?Creative thinking? Practical advice? How do you improve and impact their lives?
3. What do you do for fun when nobody’s watching?
Pinpoint things that you’re passionate about and which you’d be glad to spend your precious free time on.
Dig deep in your heart and mind and let’s put this flame and potential into good use. Shall we?