by Linda Goodman

The two most important days are the day you were born and the day you find out why. – Mark Twain

An obituary was recently published of someone I thought I knew quite well. The guestbook was signed by people across the globe, who had been mentees or recipients of this man’s genius and philanthropy. I knew he’d lived a purposeful life because his joie de vivre was contagious – you were met with his eyes and he was mindful of your presence. He enjoyed his work, his play, his interactions, and his regular meditation group. Of all the people I felt had found a beautiful balance in their mission and laughter, it was he. But the accolades were a realization that his mission and joy were ONE.  This man had touched more lives than I ever could have imagined, and it was in his own, unique style.  His soul was shared with everyone, regardless of where or when the interaction, and I don’t think his profession mattered as much as the LIGHT he brought into everyone’s space.

Perhaps the answer to the most-asked question of our time, “What is my life’s purpose?” is as simple as bringing light into this world.   I propose that it changes and reshapes with the passages of our lifetime. It may look like a mindful, ethical business; or raising a considerate, loving child; or giving smiles, freely, in volunteer work or to the cashier or to the person who appears disheveled. 

Unfortunately, there are no shortcuts.  To go within is necessary.  Then we can be mindful of what resonates and brings us complete joy and inner peace, and the path we walk will then be an outer expression of our inner truth.  Walking the talk and gathering human connections that strengthen us along the way, surely that’s our Purpose.

Why should the search be so complicated or challenging?  Author Arthur Green says, “We are living through one of the great ages of the speeding-up of Human Consciousness.”  We may feel compelled by this factor, yet challenged that our visions don’t match those who came before us.  But any contribution, regardless of how small, is a worthwhile, purposeful endeavor.

1. Sit quietly and think back from the earliest years until the present and what gave you joy.  Write these down.  Include everything, regardless of how silly it may seem now, as a pattern may emerge. 
2. When have you lost track of time (“time stood still”) because you were intimately involved in a project?  What was it and how were you captivated?
3. Even in a career that wasn’t your favorite, write down when you felt you made a difference in another’s life.
4. If possible, join a guided meditation (or work on your own via meditation, mind-enhancing CDs, or hypnotherapy) to dig deeper on how you may envision your future unfolding without judgment or attachment to the outcome.
5. These answers should be considered Energies that live within you, that nurture your soul.  Don’t feel pushed into a specific action, but BE WITH the knowledge that any work that includes what brings you joy will be fulfilling to others as well.
6. Conclude any writing and meditating with Gratitude for remembering even a small part of the reason you are right here, right now.

by Rebecca Kirson 

One of the biggest challenges during our lifetime is “finding our purpose.” As far back as I can remember, I’ve felt a very strong desire to discover mine. Like most people, I was taught to focus on getting an education, finding a career that matched my skill sets, and living a life where my physical and emotional needs were mostly taken care of. There was no discussion around finding something that brought me joy, happiness, meaning, and sustained passion. The messages I received in childhood and young adulthood having anything to do with purpose were more focused on surviving the “real world” and making money. “Find something that you are good at, that you can make money doing, and the rest will take care of itself,” they said.  

Someone forgot to share that spiritually my soul would need growth and expansion to be fulfilled. They forgot to share that I would be happier when doing purposeful work that nourished and sustained me. They forgot to share that simply making money and having my basic needs covered could lead to boredom and frustration if I wasn’t connected to a larger perspective. 

I quickly discovered in my 20s that a vacancy existed within me . . . a piece of the puzzle that would seemingly connect all of my experiences up until that moment. This puzzle piece was my purpose.  In my mind, knowing my reason for being would allow me to thread my essence into everything I did in my life. Sensing the importance of this discovery, I began a decade-long pursuit as a seeker. I studied everything I could that offered the possibility for me to learn more about myself.  I started with personal development and traditional personality assessments then quickly shifted to metaphysical studies and eventually to the Akashic Records in my 30s. 

Through the Records, I was able to connect with my purpose, which is to assist others to expand their awareness as they remember the truth of who they are while healing the parts of themselves they’ve made wrong. The Divine Love and Healing essence of me was my missing puzzle piece!  With this knowing, I could then see how my entire life made complete sense.  I was able to see why I had gone through different experiences.  Every situation in my life needed to happen for me to take the next step on my journey. 

As individuated expressions of the Divine, we all have a purpose, an energy that flows through us and is expressed as us as we powerfully create in our lives.  The power of connecting to our reason for being cannot be overstated. 

We can see the joy and enthusiasm that radiates from those who have not only discovered it but also embody it at a very deep level.  They seem to have an energetic infusion of passion that parallels their alignment with their purpose.  

Seek out opportunities to learn more about your sacred truth.  We are all surrounded with many different roadmaps that lead us to this discovery such as Astrology, Numerology, Scientific Hand Analysis, Human Design/Gene Keys or the Akashic Records.  Choose one that resonates and begin the magical exploration of learning your powerful reason for being. 

by Corinna Murray

"Certain things catch your eye, but pursue only those that capture the heart." Native American Proverb

What captivates you and lights you up more than anything else? What compels you, excites you, and feels effortless in your experiencing of it? 

Trust your first thoughts. Listen with your heart. These are your guides that reveal your true passions and desires. These are your sign posts that ultimately lead you to your gifts and your life’s purpose.

When we honor the compelling nature of our heartfelt desires, we connect with our destiny in that very moment. This is bliss. Just as children live in the moment with passion, they effortlessly experience life from a state of wonder, playfulness, creativity, and delight. It is contagious and invigorating. These states are also powerfully healing and our most healthy states of being. Not only do our bodies function optimally, so do our minds. When we live in these states where we experience joy, not only do we in turn gift that Joy back to the world and others but we are a conduit for cultivating the best of ourselves and living our purpose.

But, oh . . .

Many of us abandoned our true nature and passions as we grew into adulthood. Many of us were taught that “childish behavior” was somehow bad, that life was serious and hard. Struggle became a virtue for many and a way of life for most. We disconnected from our passions and desires, often with judgment that our passions and desires were somehow inherently foolish, selfish, or frivolous. Our health suffered as did many of our relationships. Unconscious choices often led to self-medicating with addictive behaviors and patterns of coping.

Ouch, but quite true for many of us. With compassion for yourself and others, keep in mind how difficult it can be to arrive at a destination if you don’t know what it is or where you are going. This is especially true for your life’s journey and realizing your purpose, your bliss. To realize your deepest desires and therefore your purpose, notice what brings you joy, what feels good and right and wonderful to you. By following this guidance, with focused intention, you create your life, expanding your understanding of yourself, and you open to the expansive life you are meant to live . . . your destiny.

Set aside some time today to do something you thoroughly enjoy. It can be anything . . . a walk with your dog, reading a good book, or creating a delicious meal. Do it purely for the joy it brings you. When you lie in bed tonight, revisit these moments in your mind, considering why this activity felt good to you or brought you joy. Set your intention to wake the next day in this same state and notice what unfolds.

by Barbara J. Hopkinson

Finding your purpose—now that is a challenge! Wouldn’t it be nice if we all came into this world with a blueprint and instructions? Hmmm . . . I am not convinced. That might be pretty boring.  Besides, we most likely wouldn’t believe it anyway;  we  seem to require something BIG to happen in our lives to motivate us to figure life out, if we ever do.

I didn’t start searching for that answer until I was age fifty, but that wasn’t the event that triggered it. What triggered it was the sudden death of my 21-year-old son.  That tragedy rocked my world. It was a catalyst in ending my 30-year marriage and it sent me on a spiritual journey that transformed my life. That journey included freeing me to work on what I now believe is my life’s purpose—to help families struggling with the loss of a child to find a new normal, to find hope again.  They can; I did. 

My search was accelerated by being laid off from a 10-year job in the corporate world, when the economy crashed.  As I looked for new work, I questioned what I should really be doing.  I felt driven to find out, to do something in memory of my son, and something I could do to earn my income from helping others. But I didn’t know what that was!

I started reading about spirituality and destiny, and meditated on what I should be considering.  My background was in international corporate technology sales; I had no clue about this spiritual destiny stuff!  

But I received a “let’s team up” message from my son through a trusted friend, and I founded a local chapter of The Compassionate Friends, supporting family after a child dies.  I have worked with hundreds of families since then. After working on life purpose meditation exercises, I got a strong feeling that I needed to write a book.  I began to take writing classes and worked on turning information from my memory and from my journals into my first book, a memoir to help other grieving families.

All of that, along with more experience, as well as getting certified as a Grief Recovery Specialist, has morphed into my current life’s work.  My non-profit company is called “A Butterfly’s Journey To A New Normal,” which has a threefold mission to help bereaved families find hope and happiness again, to help organizations close the gaps in supporting them, and to elevate awareness and discussion on this difficult topic.  

I am much happier and more at peace following my life’s purpose.
You will be too, when you are ready. Have FAITH that you will find yours!

Barbara J. Hopkinson, Grief Mentor, Author, and Speaker with A Butterfly’s Journey, is a guest blogger and coauthor of F.A.I.T.H. – Finding Answers in the Heart, Volume II. To pre-order your copy of this inspirational book, click here.

January followed the path of New Beginnings. February expanded your awareness of self-love. March helped you cut the strings of old habits and limiting beliefs and let go. What will April bring?

One of the crucial elements on the path of self-discovery is your purpose. Who are you? What are your dreams? How do you make a difference? Those are important questions to ask as you seek your purpose.

Some of us know when we’re children. Some of us take a lifetime to discover the truth. It’s taken me over thirty years to find the answers to those questions. My purpose is to nurture people’s creativity through community. By helping women express themselves in writing, I nurture their creative spark which ignites their passion. And when I do this in community, that nurturing and creativity lights the way for many people to use their gifts and make a profound difference in the world. The F.A.I.T.H. collaborative books, workshops, and my writing group continually help me realize my purpose, and for that I am truly grateful.

What is your purpose? What were you born to do? This month, Barbara Hopkinson, Corinna Murray, Rebecca Kirson, and Linda Goodman will inspire you with their articles on Finding Your Purpose. Get ready to find yourself. 

Nanette Littlestone, CEO of Words of Passion, is an author, editor, writing coach, and publisher of F.A.I.T.H. - Finding Answers in the Heart, Volume II. To pre-order your copy of this inspirational book, click here.