Living Your Purpose
I get asked quite often “What does living your purpose actually mean?”
Without getting into too much detail, the best way I can describe it is by offering questions you can ask yourself. What energizes, ignites, and excites you? What wrongs are you wanting to make right in the world? What subject, group of people, initiative, movement, etc. are you currently deeply interested in and impacted by? What activities, hobbies and interests do you enjoy most and who do you like to experience them with? When and how do you feel most like yourself and that you living from a balanced and peaceful place? What are your core values? These are all questions that can lead you to what your purpose is.
Work is a significant part of our lives and in my experience can be a significant source of stress and yet also fulfillment. When we can combine work with what we are most passionate about, we can reduce the discomfort and get back to a place where we wake up feeling optimistic and excited about our day and ways in which we can contribute to the bigger picture. You don’t have to discover the cure for cancer to be living your purpose. You could volunteer walking dogs on Saturdays.
It is my belief that as human beings, we all want to be heard, accepted and understood. We thrive when we feel that there is meaning and purpose in our life. We tend to feel balanced when we know internally who we are and what is most important to us. Sharing our message with the world IS PASSION. And when we get feedback on that message, we believe we are making an impact. Whether large or small, making an impact helps us feel important and valued, all improving our sense of self and self-worth.
If it just feels impossible to discover and live your purpose in your work life, the good news is, you can also live your purpose from your personal life. Being a loving and nurturing mother, sister, neighbor or friend can be just as fulfilling. Cooking local and organic food can provide true meaning. This is not about putting pressure on ourselves, it is about allowing ourselves, giving ourselves permission to explore who we are and what matters most.
In our culture it is easy to become confused about what we want, or to neglect our inner truth based on what is popular. When we are living from inauthentic place, we subconsciously live in a constant dilemma which can show up as depression, anxiety, mood swings, loss of energy or confidence and so much more.
Start small by asking yourself the questions above. And then rate on a scale of 1 to 10, how close are you to living your purpose, to being your authentic self, and letting your unique light shine bright in the world. What obstacles are in your way? What is one small thing you can do today to get you closer to your purpose? Reach out to a coach, counselor, mentor, or friend to discuss. You are important!
I would be honored to help you discover your purpose and support you living from a passionate place!
