by Linda Goodman

Most people never run far enough on their first wind to find out they've got a second. Give your dreams all you've got and you'll be amazed at the energy that comes out of you. ~William James

Our dreams are as unique as our fingerprints. The size of the dream doesn’t matter and it can be about family, relationships, a creative endeavor, service to others, a career with financial security, or pure joy and feeling fulfilled.  If our brains fire differently, why wouldn’t our dreams be as varied?

I view goals as the ACTION component to manifesting a dream, and (as Maslow illustrated) until we have our basic needs met, “self actualization” or finding purpose can’t be reached. Each adult chooses how to grow forward in their own way and their own time. Becoming self-aware allows one to do the difficult work within to mature one’s self for more meaning and inner potential. 

Remember your childhood dreams . . . can you dream that, again? Dreams don’t manifest in a vacuum. Once they are planted, action is required to nourish them. Even with the road zigzagging, we develop tools along the way and set our own manageable goals. Perhaps all roads are leading to fulfilling your desires. You have your own system of values that will be one of the foundations upon which you build your dream, and for a greater motivation, goals are developed out of Need rather than Curiosity. 

To help you on your path:
• Get rid of the fear, guilt, feelings of insecurity and worry that might surround your dream.  

• Find like-minded friends who will be your support group to cheer you onward.  

• Make business contacts and find mentors who can help you take the next step.  

• Network, read, explore options, continue learning.

• Write a 30-second elevator introduction of yourself and the dream. In the mirror, practice this identity of yourself. Speak it aloud, feel it, hear it, taste it, touch it, see it as a dream already manifested.  Do this more than once/daily, and BELIEVE that whatever is currently happening in your life will be a viable path to achieve your dream. 

Linda Goodman, a Mediator, Reiki Master, and Consultant/Coach, is a guest blogger and coauthor of F.A.I.T.H. – Finding Answers in the Heart, Volume II. To order your copy of this inspirational book, click here.

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.

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.

by Angela Rodriguez

New beginnings, a perfect topic for the beginning of a new year. A time where everyone feels the collective consciousness to make great changes in their lives. For instance, the infamous gym membership, or maybe cutting out sugar and carbs. Or possibly making a decision to stay in or step out of an unfulfilling job or relationship. Maybe it's the desire to finally sign up for classes to finish your degree. 

All are great ideas that sadly always seem to falter after 20-30 days. We fall back into our comfort zones. We forget how amazing and creative we are and fall back out of alignment with Source and unconditional love for ourselves. Daily life churns and we continue to put ourselves second, third, fourth, etc. 

What then, dear ones, makes those new beginnings "stick"? Desire doesn't seem to be enough. What is the answer?

Perhaps the answer is already staring you in the face. When there is something that you long for, or you feel needs to change, listen intently to this inner calling. It is Guidance beckoning you to step forward. Beckoning you to say YES! 

YOU have all the solutions, you just need to ASK, LISTEN, and TRUST. The Universe has your best interest always on its mind and is in constant motion to bring you what is in alignment for your soul. 

Ask and it is given! Ask, Listen, and Trust.

Angela Rodriguez, Sergeant of Police for the San Francisco Police Department, an Advanced Reiki Practitioner, and Intermediate Channel, 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. 

Empowering women is the essence behind the inspirational book F.A.I.T.H. – Finding Answers in the Heart. The first volume of F.A.I.T.H., published in June 2014, has been a resounding success in the United States, Europe, and Canada. The insights the 14 authors received left the readers clamoring for more. But it wasn’t only the readers who were inspired. More women wanted to share their experiences, to be part of the collaborative effort. And thus Volume II came to life, a second collection about love, surrender, forgiveness, and death.

Rather than waiting to reveal the book when it’s completed, we’ve decided to share our thoughts along the way and talk about the topics that matter to us, the ones lodged deep in our hearts. The ones that have to do with faith. Because faith is not a conquest. Faith is an inner journey of divine exploration. It’s an understanding between you and Source, an indication of trust that grows with confidence and knowing. And as you grow in confidence and knowing, the more you empower women like yourself.

On this journey you’ll meet the 14 authors of Volume II and learn more about their hopes, their losses, their wounds, and their dreams. What makes them worry; what makes them glow. They’ll show you their way out of darkness in the hopes of inspiring you to choose the light. And each month we’ll discuss a specific topic, starting 2015 with New Beginnings. 

So stay tuned for more. The next post on the theme of New Beginnings is by Rebecca Kirson, Soul Realignment Practitioner and Transformational Coach from Your Sacred Truth. Discover how to create NEW in your life.