That's My Purpose. What's Yours?

Ha! The question for the Ages: Why am I here? (or, with my sticky keyboard...Why am I her?) Either way, it's a good question to know the answer to, right?

So continuing to credit where credit is due, this is Question # 4 on W. Gary Gore's What is My Core Purpose questionnaire: What purpose do I serve in the lives of other people? Can you tell I'm getting a lot of joy from this book? This is a review in progress as well as a work (me) in progress. One of my Tweet-peeps is LizInProgress and I just love her watching her progress. I'm one of those people who believe watching another's progress inspires my own. Are you like that too?

Feet. Back. On. Floor.

So, my answer to Mr. Gore's question is this:

• I'm a mom to a little girl who doesn't miss a thing. I want to set a positive example for her and for my "mom" friends. I think kids hold onto what they learn from us now and it comes back to us when they reach their teens, so I do everything I can to let Red know I am here for her.  
• I am a supporter of causes and of friends and even though I may not grab the phone at 3:00AM when you call in a panic, I promise I will call you back when I get up at 6:00AM. I also believe that when you look around you always see someone who needs help be it a kind word, a bottle of water, or a box of groceries. I hope to always stay grounded enough to see those people and help.
• Though I may not always be perfect at it, I try to be a good and empathetic listener. Sometimes that's all someone needs to feel better about themselves or a situation, and who am I not to hear them out. My friendly neighborhood yardman/handyman just came by to share with me something that was bothering him and the twenty minutes I spent listening wasn't painful at all. In fact, I recommend it.
• Finally, I think all these things make me a good friend. I may not catch every FB birthday or send cards or gifts, but you will always be in my thoughts and prayers, especially when it's needed most.

So I think overall I make for pretty solid stock when it comes to my purpose. I realize I haven't been perfect, heck, I haven't always been an example of a happy, positive person. Life has tried more than once to defeat me. But I'm not giving up or giving in. I will be that person. I'm in this!

What about you?

Determining My Core Purpose in Life

What do I want to do with my life? Hmmmm.

I want to be a positive example of a mother, a friend, a leader (in that order). I want to empower and inspire the people in my life and those who I reach, to be their best selves. I want to experience ultimate joy, selflessness, wealth, success and security for both myself and my daughter through my actions (after all that is all I can control). I want to enjoy the benefit of spiritual peace and abundance.

 

The question seems obvious for some, but it took reading W. Gary Gore’s book on determining your life’s purpose and orienting your map and compass in such a way that you may achieve it, Navigating Change, for me to ask this question. My entire current (as of August 22, 2011) daily reading list may be found below.

 

What do you want to do with your life?

 

My Current Daily Reading List:

• Simple Abundance – A Daybook of Comfort and Joy by Sarah Ban Breathnach (AM)
• Navigating Change by W. Gary Gore (AM)
• The 9 Steps to Financial Freedom by Suze Orman (AM)
• Praying Our Goodbyes by Joyce Rupp (PM)
• Think: Straight Talk for Women to Stay Smart in a Dumbed-Down World by Lisa Bloom (PM)
• Audio: Lord of the Flies written and read by William Golding (PM)

I encourage you to pick up a life-changing book today.

 

Thankful...

Today, and every day, I am thankful for my husband, my little red-head, a father who pushed hard and a mother who cared almost to a fault; sunshine, wind, clouds, and rain, and even on occasion, fog rolling in over grey sandy beaches reminding me that even the most joyous places sometimes need a blanket to snuggle under; trees, and grass, and flowers of all sorts that share with us the power of growth and renewal; I'm thankful for hand-sewn quilts and the nimble fingers that so carefully stitched them; for dogs and cats and squirrels and all the little critters that keep us entertained on afternoon walks; for friends that come in all shapes, sizes, and origins who care nothing about the mistakes I've made, but who I've become because of those mistakes; for a family who so lovingly and joyously celebrates the goodness, shares hugs in the sadness, and rejoices in the light of each new day; Today I'm thankful for everything I've learned this year as a woman, a mom, a wife, a novelist, a domestic, a freelancer, an editor, a friend. Most importantly, I'm thankful for you. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone. May your day be filled with everything you are thankful for.

Until next time I remain, Unstoppable.