I spent the weekend consuming the creative genius of Fred Gipson, aka Fred Again.. If you don’t know Fred, this Tiny Desk performance is my gift to you.
I was surprised how many times I teared up watching. I’m listening to it again right now. I feel those shivers on my neck, as my eyes water over.
Watch him closely as he creates his music. He’s consumed. He’s alive.
Watch the clips of artists he features. They’re raw, authentic.
He brings it all together in ways that travel through you — head to toe — and rip you wide open.
How many of us are so deeply connected with the things we create?
How many of us get to create in ways that impact the lives of others?
I think we all deserve to. Certainly, we all want to. But few come close.
That’s because too many of us are doing what we’re supposed to do… What we went to school for. What others expected us to do. What felt like the obvious choice.
I turn 48 in 3 months. I spent most of that time — half a century — doing what I thought I was supposed to do. Until this past October.
I’ve spent the last 5 months doing something I love. Still, at first I didn’t know how to share this update with you.
This newsletter is called The Light. It’s about living our lives, consciously — being a light for ourselves and those around us.
Meanwhile, the business I’m building is called Passive Profits, where I’m helping people earn passive/supplemental income.
The two seem at odds. Money is the root of all evil, isn’t it?
Can our light, then, come from things we make money doing?
Well, here’s my experience…
For five months, I’ve been creating stories, guides, and tools people are using to make more, work less, and enjoy their lives. The impact I’m making is real and important. Knowing that, FILLS ME with light.
For the first time ever, I feel a profound connection to my work. It feels like I’ve found my passion. Like I’m fulfilling my purpose. Just like Fred.
Because, when you do what you love…
You create.
You expand.
You fill with light.
Your light lifts everyone around you.
And when you take it the final lap to monetize your mission, you’re able to keep going. To reach more people. To create more impact.
At the same time, you also earn the freedom to slow down. To surrender lifelong habits of working to live.
You get to spend more of your days in the places you want, surrounded by the people you care for.
That’s what I’m up to.
That’s how I’m connecting my light with my work. My passions with my profits.
If that resonates…
If that’s the kind of work you want to do and impact you want to make, without trading all of your time for money…
I’d love to share what I’m creating with you at Passive Profits.
P.S. Even though I’ve listened to Fred’s Tiny Desk performance 10 times now… Not until today did I catch the lyrics in the final seconds, “Oh my Lord your light it envelops me.”
How perfect for this newsletter. ❤️
Again and Again ☺️ Fred is the GOAT.
And I'm taking one more lesson from Fred:
co-creation. How much more moving this piece is thanks to Kay's poem: two mediums coming together to create something new. The light shines brighter when surrounded by people who inspire you to create.