We often discuss the idea of purpose, particularly after midlife, because that’s a time for new directions. The theory is, you’ve done the required stuff in the first half of your life. Now, hopefully, you have more choices. What direction now? Will you start a new business, volunteer, or enjoy some well-earned rest? The answer depends on what drives you.
I’m driven by a love of writing, and a desire to share my perspective on positive aging. A friend is driven by a passion to help others, and she spends so much time running a community pantry (as a volunteer) that she traded in her sedan for an SUV that would haul neighborhood donations. Another friend volunteers on so many boards she’s about to have a nervous breakdown. One friend golfs four days a week! She is living fully, according to her own definitions, and is happy. We are all driven by different experiences over our lifetimes, and different needs.
Even though Angelina Jolie is a bit young to be featured in AnyShinyThing, she fascinates me as to purpose.
This woman could do anything or nothing. She’s famous, rich, married to Brad Pitt, and has lots of kids to keep her busy. So what’s she up to, in her “spare” time?
Jolie is a special envoy of the United Nations high commissioner for refugees (UNHCR). My old job, as Bill Maher would say. She is tasked to expand the advocacy campaign of the UNHCR and engage in high-level mediation in complex emergency situations. She travels constantly to war-torn places in the world, to help and observe displaced populations. She has gone on more than 50 missions to refugee camps, and “traverses the same perilous dirt roads that relief workers and doctors and foreign correspondents do. In these settings, there are no red carpets, no Donatella Versace gowns.” (I’m quoting Janine Di Giovanni, the war correspondent who profiled Jolie for the December issue of Vanity Fair magazine.)
According to the article, “…she has no real diva side.
She often arrives at meetings early and sits quietly, waiting with a book or notes. There’s no entourage.
She packs lightly and often travels with one bag — a valuable lesson from working for humanitarian organizations and having to jump in and out of helicopters in remote locales. She is unfailingly polite and is loath to complain about being tired or feeling sick.” Jolie traveled to The Democratic Republic of Congo in 2013, shortly after her double mastectomy. “If she was in pain, you never knew it,” says a colleague who was there.
Why is she so driven? I wish I could ask her.
For whatever reason, this is what Angelina Jolie feels compelled to do, and if she, or I, or you, can’t explain our motives, it’s okay. The point is to live to your limits, regardless of age, gender, or life circumstance. Whether you’re stretching your mind or body, go at it with everything you have, with the greatest appreciation, gratitude, and utilization.
You only get one life. At the end, you can die happily, knowing you didn’t squander the gift.
Lynne very nice article- what motivates Angelina? She gives lots of clues in her words & actions. Besides having a good heart (saying that based on all she has done for others since her early 20s), she had her mother die young after a long bout with cancer, so that can make you VERY aware of using your time wisely. If you watch her interviews, even very young, she had an awareness of her own mortality- she wanted to be a funeral director to make it a nicer experience for the families (she had many relatives die quite young from cancer)- of course, that was one of those thing that people used to brand her weird or wild, when in fact she was FAR less wild than her peers*. She shared that she was cutter as teen (In order to help others) and was married twice too young, IMO. Those are her only “crimes”. By her early 20s she was doing UN work and a mom. One thing that I always found so admirable about her- she never had any PR- unlike so many other “stars” who pay millions a year to liars & spin doctors, Angelina finds a far better use for her money. When asked about years ago, Angelina said she likes to speak for herself- so radical, that my be a “crime”, too- at least in Hollywood. She is secure in herself and in her work and has nothing to hide. Angelina never, ever claims to be perfect- she just lives her life and tries to do good. We could all learn from her example.
–
*Angie did no killing, no DWIs, no jail time, no rehabs, no hit & runs, no assaults, no vandalisms, was never arrested, never into clubbing, never any diva antics on set and never even late to work (if you want to see wild antics look to Halle, Rebecca, Leo, Johnny, RDJ, Christian B, Reese W and so many others- they all have done far ruder and wilder things than Angie EVER did).
Yes to everything you said, Jules. It’s easy to admire her if one only notices. The only negative I have to say is I think, from the viewpoint of a total outsider, she’s pushing herself too hard. But many of us do when we’re younger. Maybe that’s why older people are said to be happier…they don’t worry so much, are more at peace with their demons.
Thanks for stopping by.
Yes, maybe her surgeries will make Angelina feel she has more time to get things done (rather than die young like her relatives did). Both she & Brad seem like the they are “doers”, though, and they do push themselves into things other than just acting, producing or directing. However, they both have said they are VERY lucky to have jobs where they work only a few months of the year, so that is good.
Lynne,
And on top of this Angelina Jolie has just directed a movie “Unbroken” about a WWII soldier, prisoner of war, hero and Olympian, Louis Zamparini — out on Christmas day! This story was written by my favorite non-fiction author Laura Hillenbrand, who also wrote the beautiful historic story of “Seabiscuit” (also made into a stunning movie). Angelina met with Louis before he died (97 yr.) and he fell in love with her. She gives so much to her family, humans in need, her artistic expression and i am happy to hear that “Unbroken” is going to be adored and award worthy.
Your fan,
heather
heather
They are both amazing women, Heather.
Lynne, I am so glad you are driven to write and share your insights on positive aging because I know I am growing older more purposefully and gracefully by tuning into Any Shiny Thing. Reading you makes me feel it is okay to be me! “Live to the limits”… love it.
Thanks Pat! That is very reassuring.
It’s not just her. Audrey Hepburn did very similar work, well into old age.
I think some of it is payback for having a good life. Of having influence and using it wisely to help others. I don’t know much about Angelina’s mother or grandmother, but I wonder if she didn’t learn this as a child from someone. It’s a powerful thing to be able to help others (look at Bill & Melinda Gates and the lives they help).
Nancy
I agree, Nancy. In the article they asked AJ if she’d ever consider being a politician. She demurred, suggesting that her earlier years might be a hindrance (she was wild), but more importantly, she’d have to consider where she might have the most influence. She implied that right now, she has that. While many of us can only do a certain amount, if you have influence (and money, or can attract and funnel it), you can do a lot. Like the Gates family. Thank goodness for philanthropy.
I’ve thought about Angelina, as well. As a young adult, she was clearly troubled and seemed to be going down the same narcissistic and self-damaging path as so many others in Hollywood are. The story goes that filming Tomb Raider in Cambodia served to wake her up to a world that was bigger than her own concerns. For whatever reason, the poverty there impacted on her in a way that little had before. She adopted a Cambodian child, divorced Billy Bob Thornton, and morphed into the Angelina Jolie who exists today. I’ll admit to still having some concerns about some of the choices she has made since then, but no one can deny that she has used her talents and her celebrity status to have a real impact on countless people. Her passion for creating a better planet is is huge.
Renee, she is the epitome of a late bloomer. As a young person she was wild and messed up. It would be interesting to understand why she’s so driven in the other direction now. Maybe, with maturity, she’s feeling like she has to make up for the time she wasted earlier. But wow, what dedication she brings to whatever she’s doing! I admire her so much. (Great to hear from you!)
You are definitely not “one hand clapping” (although I know the feeling). I too enjoy your posts and your insights.
I too have wondered what makes Angelina Jolie do what she does, and where she gets the energy. Whatever it is, I am glad there are people like that in the world. They not only do incredible works of good, they help to inspired the rest of us to do what we can.
Thanks for the “attagirl”, Janis. And re Jolie, she IS inspiring. I have an older story about her in my “Inspirations” notebook, which described her working late at night, writing the screenplay for her first film, “In the Land of Blood and Honey.” Hard work is hard work, whether you’re rich, beautiful and privileged or a regular Jane.
Well said.
I love your Friday writings. They are always meaningful and thoughtful.
Keep up the good work Lynne.
I, for one, look forward to my in-box on Fridays and your links 🙂
~~Kathleen
Thank you so much, Kathleen. Sometimes I wonder if I’m one hand clapping, so it’s reassuring to get your comment. Thank you!