Living & Working On Purpose

Is there a Place for Destiny in Your Life?

I recently read an article online that asked the question, "Where will you be in 25 years?" then invited me to first consider where I was 25 years ago as an way of introducing the role of destiny in our lives. I found the exercise interesting and worthwhile so I thought I'd share it with you.

Where were you 25 years ago in 1983?

Me, I was 35 years old.  I'd graduated from veterinary college 9 years previously, and I had purchased my own veterinary clinic (a former out patient clinic of a larger hospital) for the rip roaring price of one dollar, which was about all the savings I had at the time. The rest of the purchase price, if memory serves some $26,000 was financed at the local bank. Not long after, the loan that started at 12% shot up to 19%.

Lucky for me at the time I didn't know a business could go bankrupt, so I kept working at building my practice and trimming my personal needs, which wasn't too difficult because I was single.

And I didn't have a clue what my true purpose in life was.  In fact, I wasn't even asking the question.  If someone had stopped and asked, I'd probably would have answered, "Sure, I know my purpose.  It's to be a vet."

I know some of you reading this probably weren't even born in 1983, or you were so young that you don't have any memories of that year, but for those who do, it's not a bad idea to spend just a few minutes to reflect upon the ground you've taken over the last 25 years before reflecting on the next 25 years.

What ground have you taken in that two-and-a-half decades? Are you where you thought you'd be at this point in your life?  Better?  Worse?  In what ways?

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Where Do You See Yourself, 25 years from Now?
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The year will be 2034.  I will be 85 years old. My daughter, Amber, will be about to turn 42, and my 'second child,' Life On Purpose Institute will be 38...that is if we all make it another 25 years, which none of us know for sure.  Still, it's worth reflecting upon the question, "Where do you see yourself in 25 years?"

Here's what I see as I ponder upon this question:

*  That 25 years is just about twice as long as I've so far devoted to Life On Purpose Institute.  Of course, I may not be quite as vigorous in the next two and a half decades, but still, that's a pretty significant chunk of time to devote to 'creating a world on purpose,' as well as being dedicated to living true to my own life purpose.

Which brings me to another point, the main point of this pondering -- destiny.  Do I believe in it?  Do I believe in "a predetermined course of events often held to be an irresistible power or agency" as the dictionary defines the term? Is destiny and living true to one's life purpose the same?  I think not. I do believe in the power of living inside of a particular context for an extended period of time.  I've already seen how powerful of an experience that can be in shaping my experience of life as well as my character.

But to say that I'm on a predetermined course of events...I think not, least not exactly.  As I continue to carve away the parts that aren't the true me or the larger Self, and thus refine my sense of my true self or being, I see how that sense of my true self or purpose further shapes my actions in the world, which then goes on to shape my results and outcomes.

But are those actions or outcomes pre-determined by some higher force we call destiny?  Humm, I sorry, I just don't get that.  It feels too confining -- to much like how life occurs when we're being shaped by our past -- by fear, lack and struggle.

I find more and more as I endeavor to live an authentic life on purpose, that freedom is one of the greatest pluses or benefits.  Freedom to be who I truly am and to express myself in ways that call most loudly to me -- what I call 'in the beam' activities. Others often refer to these "in the beam" expressions of life purpose as a calling or vocation. Writing, especially about life purpose (including these weekly ponderings), as well as coaching and speaking in public on the subject are all in the beam for me and part of my calling or vocation.

But how do you go about determining what your calling is?  It was actually one of the questions one of my favorite clients asked me during a coaching session even as I was in the process of writing this article.  And so we'll explore that question from a Life On Purpose Perspective next time.

In the meantime, I'd enjoy hearing your thoughts on where you see yourself in 25-years as well as your views on destiny.  Post them here by clicking on comments.

Have You Grown Complacent in Your Life? (Podcast)

Today I'm sharing a Purposeful Pondering Podcast -- " short, punchy and thought evoking "Ponderings" on the subject of what it takes to clarify your life purpose and live true to it."

The podcast is available through iTunes as well as on this blog - the place to go on the internet for a wealth of information about living a passionately purposeful and meaningful life.

Today’s topic --   Have You Grown Complacent in Your Life?

Often times in past podcasts I’ve shared previously written articles -- today I have some thoughts I want to share about the subject of complacency.  I have a few notes and a quote or two to share but for the most part I’m kind of making this up as I go and as Spirit guides me.

Is Your Career On Purpose or Way Off Purpose?

Moving from a Boring, Life-Draining Job to Work You Love and that Feeds Your Spirit

"I think most of us are looking for a calling, not a job. Most of us, like the assembly line worker, have jobs that are too small for our spirit. Jobs are not big enough for people."
Nora Watson       

In a survey conducted by Life On Purpose Institute, Inc. one of the highest ranking life issue or challenges was job dissatisfaction. It appears that people are working more and enjoying it far less. Few things in life can be more frustrating or stressful than being in a job you hate yet can't seem to leave without creating even more stress and frustration by not being able to pay the bills.

Talk about a Catch-22 situation. Do you presently find yourself in a boring, life-draining job (or recently downsized from it)? But every time you explore getting another job, everyone expects you to do essentially the same kind of work. And the jobs that look most exciting, you don't have any previous experience or training in? Do you feel trapped in such a vicious career circle?

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It's Time to Put the Horse Before the Cart Where It Belongs
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I'm going to suggest a shift in perspective. I'm suggesting there's nothing wrong with your life and not even anything wrong with the way the system is set up. Instead, perhaps you simply have the cart before the horse. 

I honestly believe that the reason so many people are unhappy with their jobs is because they started working without first knowing who they truly are and why they are here on Earth.

In other words, they don't know their life purpose.

After all, most of us had to start work pretty young in life, many times decades before wondering about the purpose or meaning to our lives. You may have first gone to work as a teenager for a little extra spending money without thinking much about what kind of work you'd be doing.  You just wanted some way to make enough money to do the other fun things in your life.  But, before you knew it you had to go work to make a living -- to pay the bills, and put food on the table. It's likely the notion of finding work that nurtures your soul and spirit didn't even flash across your radar screen.

And before you knew it you were trapped in the vicious circle of a deadening job.

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A Case of Mistaken Identity
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Or you might have thought your work was your life purpose, which is another common trap many people fall into. Take my dentist's father for example:

When my dentist learned that I was a life purpose coach, his first remark
was, "Boy, my father could sure use you." He went on to explain that his
father had been a prominent and successful physician in the community for
close to 40 years, but recently had to stop working due to his health. "He's
miserable. He feels like he has no purpose in living."

This can also happen with the roles you play in life. What happens when you mistakenly think your role as parent is your life purpose and then all your kids grow up and leave home? Your purpose moves out with them.  The empty-nest syndrome often results in a very empty feeling as well-- the emptiness of not having any real meaning and purpose in your life.

So, I’m suggesting that your life purpose isn’t what you do, nor the roles you play in life.  But, if you've been thinking this way, you have simply had the cart before the horse, and you're likely to stay stuck in that boring job that doesn't nurture your spirit.

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But What if You Don't Have a Clue What You True Purpose in Life Is?
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You may be asking yourself, "Well, if my life purpose isn't what I do then what is it? If it's not my job or career, and it's not even the roles I play in life, like being a good parent, employee, or spouse -- than what is it?

Those really are key questions -- questions which start you traveling down a new Purposeful Path. And once you're on the path it's inevitable that you will eventually gain clarity of purpose as long as you remain on the path and engage in the process.

Of course, this process often takes years, even decades, especially if, in the meantime, you remain stuck in work that numbs the heart and mind.  All of which is complicated further if you're surrounded by a bunch of other people caught in the very same trap, who may be so resigned about it, that they aren't even fully aware how trapped they are. 

Sound familiar?

The good news is that waking up to what's been missing is a key first step. But where do you go from there?

The next step really depends how ready, willing and able you are to proceed.  It's likely that if you've read this far, there's something about what you've been reading that resonates with you.  It may even have upset you a bit as you've realized how long you've allowed yourself to be remain trapped.  If so, the questions really are:

"Are you going to do anything about it?  If so, what?"

I'd like you to try on one other thought.  I'd like you to consider that it's no accident that you and I have been connected in this way.  I'd like for you to consider that perhaps, just perhaps you were guided to read this article so you could begin to answer those last questions. And here is why I'm saying this.

About 13 years ago, I started down my own purposeful path, after having spent the first 40+ years caught in my own purposeless trap that led me to the brink of suicide. 

My new path eventually led me to clarifying my own life purpose.  You see, an integral part of my life purpose is the possibility of all people living purposeful, passionate and playful lives of service.  What I mean by that is that I truly feel it's possible and paramount for each of us to know our life purpose. When we do, that purpose becomes fueled by our passion for living it fully and playfully in the service of others. 

Does that make sense to you?  Does that resonate with you at a deep, soulful level?  If so, I'd like to offer several ways you can move forward along your own purposeful path to clarifying your live purpose so you can live true to it.  By the way, it is also the path out of the vicious career trap.  How do I know?  Because, not only have I followed that path, but I've been privileged to work with thousands of others, serving as their guide along the Purposeful Path as a life purpose coach.

It is to this that I have dedicated my life. It's why I founded Life On Purpose Institute.  It's one of the major ways I express and fulfill on my own life purpose. So, here are 3 ways you can move yourself forward along the path.  We'll start with some 'dip you toe in the water' steps and move on up to a 'taking the plunge' steps.

Dip Your Toe Option #1:  The Life On Purpose Process that is the foundation upon which all the LOPI work is based is thoroughly outlined in the book, Life On Purpose: Six Passages to an Inspired Life. 

Dip Your Toe Option #2:  If you want further support in clarifying your life purpose, consider one of the versions of the Life On Purpose Home Study Course (which includes a copy of the book and much more). Pick the version that would best serve you.

Take the Plunge Option:  If you know that it's really going to take more support than either of the two choices above ('cause you have books and home courses on your shelf that you've never completed), then consider putting a Life On Purpose Coach in your corner.  For further info and to schedule an initial coaching consultation to go one of this pages:

Learn more about my coaching services here

Learn more about Ann's coaching services here

Oh, and there is one other option:  Do Nothing.  Of course, this is always an option, though as you have probably already figured out, taking no action won't have you proceeding down the Purposeful Path.  It will simply keep you stuck where you are. (And how's that working out for you?)

So my question to you is this: will taking no action really serve you? Remember, the common definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over expecting different results. That includes  not taking action over and over. So, I encourage you to take some action -- some small or large step for yourself. If you aren't sure what the next step should be, give me a call at (828) 697-9239 or drop me an email at admin@lifeonpurpose.com. I'm here to be of service, and to assist you as you travel down your Purposeful Path. So, give me a call.

Liked the article?  Hated it?  Let me hear from you with your comments and/or questions right here.

All is In Divine Order Even When it Doesn't Look Like It

"All is in Divine Order and working perfectly even when it doesn't at first glance look like it.

"Take this economic crisis -- while it may not match our preferences for how we'd like it to be, it's the perfect outcome to expect when you have a small number of ego-centric people hungry for power and run by greed making the decisions and policies while everyone else casts a blind eye of ignorance and complacency."  Brad Swift from meditation

While participating in John Randolph Price's 40 Day Prosperity Plan that includes meditating each day and then journaling, the above statement flowed from my pen.  Upon reflecting on it later, it felt true and worthy of expanding upon.

For years I've used the affirmation, "All is in Divine Order so I flow with what's flowing,"  especially during those times that it didn't look or feel like Divine Order was present.  Now, I see that those times may have gone against the grain of my preferences, but were consistent with the thought and emotional patterns that preceded the times.

And if we are not awake and aware, it is easy to perpetuate the undesired conditions through worry, doubt, fear, and lack-based thinking. The realization that "all is in Divine Order" is a perfect point from which to pivot to a new reality, perhaps even to a reality that is both in Divine Order and more consistent with our preferences, especially when those preferences are aligned with the greater good of all concerned.

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Applying it to Daily Life
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While this may be an interesting observation and thought process, how do we apply it to our everyday lives?

May I suggest the following:

1. Notice a time or situation that may not appear to be in Divine Order or that doesn't match with your preferences. (If you can't find a good one to work with, let me know.  I have plenty to share. <G>)  Maybe it's something as simple as rushing around to get yourself to work, then walking out to the car only to find one of your tires is flat.

2. Now, you might ask, could a flat tire that's going to make you late for work be in Divine Order?  And that's exactly what I invite you to do -- ask this question of your Inner Guidance.  See if you can ask it, not from a place of upset and frustration but with an authentic sense of curiosity.

"Wow, this sure doesn't look or feel to be in Divine Order. So, I'm curious, how might this be in Divine Order?" In other see if you can move to a stance where you're authentically engaged that it IS in Divine Order and your connection to the Divine will help you discern in what way that's true.

3. Then be open to receiving input. As possible answers come, check in to see which feel most empowering, and don't be surprised if there's more than one, since often Divine Order is ready to serve us in multiple ways.

Here are some possible responses to the above scenario:

"This is God's not so subtle way to suggest I slow down and pay more attention. The car was pulling to that side yesterday on the drive home. If I hadn't been in such a rush, I would have known to check the tires."

Or

"This is God suggesting to me to learn to be more comfortable in reaching out for support from others.  I know I could still make it to work on time by simply calling Joe to swing by and pick me up. Now, the question is, "will I allow another to support me like that?"

Or

"This is Divine intervention suggesting to me that today is not a day to work. That I've been putting in a lot of overtime and it's time for a bit of rest and rejuvenation time.  I'll go inside and call AAA to have the tire fixed and take a personal day for me. This way, I'll be much more effective in my work upon returning."

Remember, to look for that feels most aligned with your values most life enhancing, 'cause in this grace-filled world of Divine Order, life is rigged in our favor.  Another focal point to include is what points you to the 'greater good of all concerned.'  Follow that guidance and see where it leads.

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Your Turn to Engage in this Query
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You agree, disagree, think this article was filled with powerful insights or 'plooey?' (whatever that is.)  Let's talk about it right here. Post your comments and/or questions.

6,783,907,459 in the World - How Many Know Their Purpose in Life?

6,783,907,459-- That's a large number and it represents the estimate of the world's population as of yesterday - June 2nd 2009.

Here's my purposeful pondering question:

Of those almost 7 billion people, what percentage would you say really know with crystal clarity their life purpose AND are living a life that is a true and authentic reflection of that purpose?

In asking that question of many other people most agree that the percentage is quite low -- .5%, 1%, 5% are common answers.

Now, imagine if we could nudge that number up just a bit each year.  What difference would it have if we could move it up even 1-2 percentage points each year?

That's what my Divine Mission as the Chief Visionary Officer of Life On Purpose Institute is all about, since the "LOPI Vision" is: Creating a World On Purpose.

A significant way we're doing this is through the SEASONED COACHES DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM where we train experienced coaches, ministers, therapists, career and school counselors and other helping professionals to guide their clients through the Life On Purpose Process.

What is the Life On Purpose Process?  So glad you asked.   It's the proven, systematic, spiritually-based and practical process that has already assisted thousands of people to clarify their life purpose and then to design their life to be a true and authentic reflection of that purpose.

And one of the ways we're connecting with these helping professionals is with the help of our Purpose Partner Affiliates.  Yes, Life On Purpose Institute has an affiliate program where you can make a difference while making money as well. Pretty neat if I do say so.

So besides enjoying the warm, cozy feeling of knowing you're helping to create a World On Purpose, Life On Purpose Institute rewards our Purpose Partners for helping us make this connection with an affiliate check for $250.

You see 6,783,907,459 is a lot of people and I and my relatively small team of trained Life On Purpose Coaches could sure use some help -- your help.  So, take a look at the web page about the SEASONED COACHES DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM.

As you look it over think about who you know that would be a good fit for this program.  Remember, they're likely to already be an experienced:

*  Coach,
*  Minister,
*  Therapist,
*  Career Counselor,
*  School Counselor, or
*  Other Helping Professional

And if you'd like to be one of our Purpose Partner Affiliates, go here to register.  I'd do it quickly because we'll be sharing more specifics on this upcoming program with our partners soon.  And if you realize the SEASONED COACHES DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM may be for you, I look forward to hearing from you.