Margaret Martin is a Performance Development Specialist and she loves her work. But it is her hobby that brings her life into balance. “Knitting and crocheting are both really fun and relaxing to me,” says Margaret. “As it turns out, they seem to be taking me to another exciting place."
"I knit ponchos, scarves, and shawls — very simple! In the process of making these as gifts for my friends, I’ve discovered a special yarn made from the recycled silk of the saris of East Asian women."
It’s called Mango Moon yarns. The proceeds from this yarn go towards the health care, education, and safe shelter of the women of Nepal. It supports the Nepali Women’s Empowerment Group, which utilizes a self-help instructional model to teach literacy, small business development, and personal and social advocacy to 125,000 Nepalese women.
"I have so enjoyed making these gifts and making a little money as well, but also knowing that I am helping other women who don’t have as much as I do. This weekend I am donating a scarf made of Mango Moon yarn to our local Hospice fundraiser."
When we follow our passion and we create meaning, magic happens. Our efforts, no matter how seemingly small are multiplied. Margaret gave a gift of a scarf to a friend. She loved it so much that she bought several for some of her celebrity friends in Hollywood, who have been ordering them for their friends!
"The yarn keeps traveling! It feels to me that this yarn is a thread that connects all of us women — from the girls in Nepal to the Hollywood superstars… I love how my knitting is taking on a life of its own, and expanding my own life."
Not only is her hobby important to her personally, it also contributes directly to her professional success by enriching her spirit. "Knitting for my own pleasure is not only a way for me to relax and get centered, but I know that it serves a deeper purpose of helping others.”
So, what do we learn from Margaret? You need not be a Gandhi or Eleanor Roosevelt to make a difference. Just do what you love to do, and you will be part of the skein of life.
Carol’s Advice: Make Your Life a Rich Tapestry
So many times, when we embark on a professional goal, say, of starting our own business, we get so absorbed that business takes up our every waking moment. If we are not careful, we get too narrowly focused. With no other avenues feeding us and lifting our spirits, we are liable to be tossed into despair or worry by every business anxiety or down cycle. For true success, it’s mandatory that we have other outlets in life besides work.
: Finding Your Place in the World Using Synchronicity, Intuition, and Uncommon SenseEmail Margaret at: margaret (at) margaretmartin (dot) com
(From an article on Carol Adrienne.com from February, 2005; Used with permission)