What
Is A Life Purpose?
by Michelle Casto, M.Ed.
What is a Life Purpose? Who am I? Why am I here? What is my purpose in
life? These are some of the oldest and most important questions posed by
human beings throughout history. They become the most profound when an
individual such as yourself begins to think and reflect on them. Upon
reading this workbook and doing some soul-searching, you will discover
your own unique answers to these important questions. The word purpose
means to have intentional results. When we are on purpose, we are making a
conscious effort to be or create something. Usually what we really want to
be or do seems out of reach, “impossible.” But we must remember
that the word “impossible” with an apostrophe is actually I’m (I am)
possible. And you are!
Dudley Lynch and Paul Lordis in their book Strategy
of the Dolphin said this: “We can define “purpose” in
several ways. For one, when we know our purpose, we have an anchor—a
device of the mind to provide some stability, to keep the surprises of a
creative universe from tossing us to and fro, from inflicting constant
seasickness on us. Or we can think of our purpose as being a master
nautical chart marking shoals and rocks. Perhaps the most profound thing
about “being on purpose” is that when that is our status, our
condition, and our comfort, we find our lives have meaning, and when are
“off purpose” we are confused about meanings and motives.”
A clearly defined life purpose provides
meaning, direction, and significance. Your life purpose answers two
essential questions: Who do I want to be? & What do I want to do?
When we are living from our true soul ’s purpose, we feel more alive—filled
with excitement, joy, and inner peace—in a word “contentment.”
We are more connected to one another as human beings and more content with
who we are and what we do.
When we are “on purpose” we tap into a
higher power, we have supernatural support! The best things in life seem
to be naturally attracted to us. When we are not on purpose, we try to do
it all alone! We grasp at straws, every thing looks good—whether
it is a new job, going to school, moving, finding another lover—anything
to fill the void of the extreme emptiness we feel inside. Not being
on purpose leads to constant seeking—external things to make you feel
more fulfilled. Being on purpose leads to effortless
contentment—an internal peace with what is unfolding in your life. You
have a feeling of “all is right with the world” and I have an
important part to play!
Every human being has the universal purpose
of learning how to love more. Every human begin has his or her unique
purpose of helping to heal our planet and other people. Planet Earth is
the ultimate university for our souls, where you have the task of learning
your lessons, showing love, and sharing gifts. You can evolve yourself by
understanding, accepting, and taking action to live out your universal and
unique life purposes.
You were born to do something specific. A
role and opportunity was entrusted to you and you alone. If you
don’t know your life purpose, you are still a diamond in the rough.
Discovering one’s life purpose is like cutting a diamond. Every gem
quality diamond has within it a ready-made design, waiting to be
discovered. So do you. The secret is to discover and actualize your unique
pattern. Like a diamond needs to be excavated to have worth, you have to
dig deep within yourself to discover your unique life purpose.
Characteristics of a Life Purpose Your Life
Purpose…
¨ Lasts a lifetime, shaping you from birth
to death, and usually doesn’t change.
¨ Is bigger than you, connecting you to
others and allowing you to share your gifts with the world.
¨ Supports your values and beliefs,
providing you an opportunity to excavate your hopes, dreams, aspirations
and bringing them to the light of awareness.
¨ Provides structure for what you will be
and do during your lifetime, you achieve maximum performance &
satisfaction, experience less-stress, and enjoy more meaning and
authenticity.
¨ Is the theme of your life story, giving
you more freedom to decide how to live out your personal and professional
roles.
Thomas Edison said, “If we all did the
things we were capable of doing, we would literally astound ourselves.”
To reach this place of soulful purpose, an inner shift must first occur.
Change starts on the inside, and as you awaken to the real part you are
meant to play, you will develop confidence in knowing who you are meant to
be and what you are meant to do in the world. You will develop awareness
of how big and bright you really are. You will then begin to accept your
part, articulating it to yourself and others, and finally taking action to
live out your purpose.
__________________
Michelle L. Casto, M.Ed. is a whole
life coach, speaker, and author. She has written three self-help books and
a dozen workbooks on life empowerment topics. Her coaching practice is
Brightlight Coaching. She helps people come up with bright ideas for their
life and empowers them to freely shine their bright light to the world.
Contact her for a complimentary coaching session: coach@brightlightcoach.com
or visit virtually: www.getsmartseries.com,
www.brightlightcoach.com.
Sign up for her free monthly ezine, Get Smart! Live Smart by sending an
email to: Getsmarter-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.