Doug's Story

If one thing can describe my professional life until recently, it’s that I followed the opportunities that presented themselves to me without much thought as to how they fit with my core values. That indecision led me to follow in my father’s footsteps as a geologist, which then led me through a series of career moves that proved successful in a conventional economic sense but left me ultimately unsatisfied with my life. The lure of economic success, professional recognition and providing for my family were sufficient motivation for many years; but it became increasingly more difficult to sustain a level of performance that I could be proud of, and more importantly, the satisfaction that comes with doing something that I loved and believed in. That old phrase, "leading a life of quiet desperation," resonated more and more in my thinking.

In 1998, I was encouraged by my wife to consider The Retreat offered by Centerpoint as a way to explore my discontent and perhaps find new perspectives for living and working. Two major themes emerged from that wonderful experience. First, I recognized the passivity with which I had approached life. Secondly, I unearthed my dormant passions—to teach and inspire others—that is to take an active role in improving life on this planet.

Since attending The Retreat, I struggled with making that quantum shift from my previous life to a more self-directed life that fit with my values. My dabbling in documentary film making as a hobby finally led to a complete break from my previous career into a more satisfying, multi-faceted life centered on film making and volunteerism. I am deeply grateful to Centerpoint for helping me change my life!