The other day I attended a promotion ceremony for a long-time friend of mine. Since I’m no longer on active duty, I don’t get to attend many of these things, so it was special from that perspective. My friend, Kevin, was promoted to colonel of Marines. Now, that’s a pretty lofty achievement, so that made the day special, too. Earlier in his career, he served as the aide to then Maj. Gen. Peter Pace, USMC, who just retired as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Pace conducted the ceremony, so that made it exceptional. But those things I just mentioned aren’t what I will remember. What was really extraordinary was the last thing Kevin said before he invited everyone to join him at the bar.

When Kevin was introduced as the new colonel and asked him to say a few words, he took the opportunity to point out a number of people around the room who had made a positive impact on his career and his life. I was fortunate to be included in this. He turned to his family, whom he’d saved for last, and introduced his father and his brother. Then, he looked at his children. He paused before each one and spoke their names. Turning back to the crowd of nearly 100 attendees, he said matter-of-factly, “… and let’s face it: they are the reason we do what we do. They are our future.”

It was one of the strongest and most poignant statements I have heard in a long time. The entire room nodded silently in agreement, “Yes, they are why we do what we do. We fight for our families. We fight for freedom.”

So, now I ask you: What are you fighting for today? When we joined the military, we were filled with passion and purpose. We were eager and proud to serve. Our time on active duty provided wonderful (and miserable) experiences, and lasting memories. Then, for various reasons, we decided to get out. So, what are you directing your passion and purpose toward now?

Did you take on your new job with that same sense of adventure you had when you enlisted? What about the job after that one? And the job after that? Notice, I said job. Somewhere in the day-to-day business of making a living, a lot of people lose their passion for life. For them, life and career become… well … work. There is little joy and even less satisfaction. Toiling for a paycheck can become demoralizing over time. I don’t expect every day to be as rich and rewarding as our greatest experiences on active duty. But I do know that life is too precious and short to be wasted in a job you don’t like.

Before you say that I don’t understand the economy, or what you faced on active duty, etc., let me save you the trouble. I realize life isn’t easy and we all go through episodes that take the wind out of our sails. Many of you had bad experiences on active duty or have faced tough challenges in the civilian sector. I know, because you’ve written and told me so. I understand. And again, I ask the question: What are you fighting for now?

My challenge to you this week is to find a way to put the wind back in your sails. It may not be easy, but I know it will be worth the effort. Sure, you’re not as naïve or innocent as you were the day you took the oath to protect and defend the Constitution. But now, you have wisdom and experience, and they will help you with the next phase of your journey. You have the ability to reconnect with your passion and purpose. That fire within you is still there, and I know it can burn as brightly now as it did the day you enlisted. You may not literally fight today, but you did once and you know what it feels like. Find that feeling again, nurture it, and live it.