A meandering path to one’s life purpose passes by many attractions. I would like to analyze my current self reflection and how it has guided me to this point in time.
I realize a daily purpose can lead to many life purposes. Not limiting myself to just one “life long purpose.”
Over the past few years I have been on a journey to find what brings me purpose through my passions and strengths.
It has been awhile since I have reflected on my discoveries. I would like to take this opportunity to present my findings.
In the past I have identified my tangible talents as writing, idea development, helping others, building rapport with others.
This seemed like it gave me an obvious set of talent to work with. However, I felt like my perception of myself was self limiting.
I reframed my mindset by expanding the definition of “talents” and looking at my core values.
My new definition of talents now includes my skills and abilities that come naturally to me, that I am good at and enjoy employing often.
My Core Values | My Skills and Abilities |
1. Creativity
2. Imagination 3. Helping People 4. Health and Wellness 5. Challenge |
Empathetic
Intuition Rapport Building/Connecting Motivating/Supportive Logical |
I began to notice that my skills and abilities had a direct relation to my core values. They seemed to be a subset of the things I valued the most.
As I have tried to live each day incorporating my core values, I have also been developing my natural talents as well.
The past two years have consisted of experimenting or discovering interests in my core value areas.
Things I have tried or still trying
- Creativity/Imagination- writing stories, blog posts, experimenting with cardgame/boardgame development, craft projects, kids paper monster project building collection book, drawing new things, dedicated brainstorming sessions, trying new ways of doing things at my current job, using my creativity to solve problems in my own way using my talents and strengths.
- Personal Growth- reading, identifying behaviours/belief changes, planning/taking action to implement changes. What I have changed/want to change- procrastination, marriage strength, improved parenting, inner critic control, optimal self confidence, improved self belief, personal motivation, instant accountability acceptance, creating opportunities, active listening, connection building, gratitude, presence, empathy.
- Helping others- Live Your Legend monthly meeting hosting, being aware of simple daily opportunities (holding door for others, noticing when someone needs help, telling others they are doing a great job, supporting others in need, encouraging/motivating others to take action)
- Challenge- getting outside my comfort zone, improving connection with family, friends, work, marriage, strangers. Accepting challenges to be part of something greater than myself.
My Current Path
> Taking health coach certification course- 6 months.
Why have I decided on this path?
Simply, it utilizes my talents that I have previously described and fulfills aspects of all my core values. It amazes me how long it took to connect the dots and arrive at this path.
The wonderful thing about this realization is that it is the journey to this point where the enjoyment comes from.
Learning, trying and experimenting.
At times it has been a struggle to embrace and enjoy the journey to this point. Sometimes my anxiousness demands instant revelation. Instant gratification becomes the visionary guided chaperone in the forefront.
One of the biggest obstacles I have encountered on my journey is challenging myself to become comfortable with the uncomfortable. Getting outside my comfort zone. Acceptance to change my behaviours and beliefs about others and myself.
> Increasing my knowledge of health and wellness.
Focus on nutrition exercise, presence, gratitude. Applying these principles to my daily life.
> Creating opportunities at my current job.
New position which incorporates more of my core values/talents. Help others at my work with health coaching needs. Start a health and wellness coaching business.
What I would like to continue learning/developing
Asking great questions, critical thinking, health and wellness knowledge, health coaching skills, connecting with others, creativity, thinking outside the box, mindfulness.
Some valuable thoughts resonate as I sit and reflect upon the things that have helped me arrive at this purposeful moment.
Without discarding my fears of failure, fears of judgement, fear of discomfort, I would not have arrived at this opportunity to reflect on the many wonderful things being transformed and created in my life.
I realize the journey is long. Small steps are most often the biggest. Helping us to arrive at the place exploration takes us. It is within those steps that presence and gratitude are most important. Having the opportunity to immerse oneself in the surroundings of the moment to bask in the greatness being created.
“The path to our virtuous self is lined with opportunities waiting to be appreciated. An adventurous exploration of our passions, strengths and talents. A committed trust in the process that our choices will guide us to a place we imagined.” – Kristin Larsen