You Can Be Whatever You Want! Really?!

I don't particularly like the phrase: you can be whatever you want to be! I have heard it said by young people who declared that they wanted to be famous footballers or work in NASA when they didn't play or like playing football or have any interest in scientific matters! I could dream of being a ballerina but as I don't enjoy dancing or have the willingness to apply myself to it, I'll never pirouette on any stage! I'll satisfy myself tapping my fingers on the steering wheel instead.

There is a difference between a dream and a passion: a dream may have some reality, whereas a passion has the energy to drive a flame which grows from our interests and talents. However, even a flame of passion will die if not provided with enough matter to give it energy i.e. genuine interest, time and application. I'm considering this at a time when I see young people focused on points and future occupations.

I have always had the great fortune to work at what energised the flames of my passion to work in education and faith development in parish settings. It has never felt like a chore or a burden as it has enabled me to unfold my own personal gifts and talents in partnership with others who share the same interests. It is not something from which I count days to retirement or wish to end as I look forward to each day and each challenge. This, to me, is living the dream!

I would wish for each young person, who is looking at points and driving themselves hard to gaining their best examination results, that they may have the courage to follow their heart, instead of the crowd, and let their own natural talents lead them to the occupational starting point. It's only a starting point with numerous other milestones along the way from which to spring sideway directions as one moves forward in life.

I know that my own chosen starting point is responsible for the truly wonderful experiences which I am able to enjoy now along with the other wonderful milestones and people whom I encountered along the way. A decision which I made at the age of eighteen years, the thread of which was carried through every other decision made along the journey of life to date, is responsible for the fact that I have the truly wonderful privilege of working in Lucan now.

Every young person has within them what they need to live good, creative, happy and fulfilling lives. Every young person has the capacity to find their own starting point in the world of today, even if it seems strange or somewhat unstable. Our passionate interests, gut core and heart sense are our most reliable compasses, as no one can live in the footsteps of another. Carpe Diem!

Cathy Burke
Parish Catechist for the Lucan Partnership of Parishes