“It is never too late to be what you might have been.” George Eliot
There are many people who feel intimidated by or resistant to the concept of a life calling. Maybe you do too. Do you worry that having a life purpose means surrendering to a higher power and giving up control of how you spend your time? Do you worry that your life purpose will end up being something unpleasant or taxing? What if your life purpose turns out to be draining or boring? What if it demands more than you are willing or able to give in time, energy and commitment?
These types of fears are completely groundless. If you could poll everyone on the planet who believes they are living their true life purpose, I bet they would all say the same thing: “I’m so HAPPY!”
Everyone who dares to live their life purpose describes it along the lines of “coming home” or “doing what I was born to do.” They do what matters most to them, they enjoy it fully, and it fits perfectly with the rest of their lives.
That’s not to say that a few sacrifices won’t be necessary at times, but I think you’ll find that they are not overly painful or difficult. In fact, they may be downright freeing once you let go of your fear and doubt.
Please don’t worry that living your purpose means you have to give up control of your life. You are always in control of your own life, purpose or no purpose!
In fact, I want to encourage you to adopt a new outlook for your life – that of “living with purpose” rather than “having a purpose”.
Living purposefully means CHOOSING your purpose. Choosing how you spend your time. Choosing how you will use your natural talents to create more joy and meaning for yourself and others.
Even if you believe that your life purpose is pre-destined, this new outlook can still work for you because you’ll automatically choose the path that has already been laid out before you.
Do You Really Need a Purpose?
If you are one of those people mentioned earlier who doesn’t worry about having a life purpose, you may wonder what all the fuss is about. Is a life purpose even necessary?
Some people would say that everyone has a purpose whether they know it or not. But is it a bad thing to be unaware of a higher calling in life? What if you feel content with your life as it is right now? Do you have to conceive some lofty purpose in order to feel content and make a positive difference in the world?
No. You don’t need to have a specific purpose in life – unless you feel like something is missing. If you are content with your life as it is, you are doing something right. Either you’re already living your purpose or you simply don’t feel the need for one. And there’s not a thing wrong with that.
However, since you are reading this book it is possible that you are seeking something – even if you wouldn’t classify it as an actual “calling”. Maybe you simply crave more passion, meaning, fun, direction or any number of other qualities. And a life purpose (or living purposefully) can definitely provide those things and more.
Benefits of Living Purposefully
In fact, you may be surprised to discover just how rewarding a purposeful life can be!
Here are just a few of the benefits:
Greater focus in your daily activities – rather than feeling adrift.
Increased discipline when it comes to productivity and achievement.
Passion and motivation! When was the last time you felt excited about your day?
Personal empowerment – being in control of your own life.
Meaning and fulfillment. Knowing that your life (and everything you do) matters.
Energy and vitality! Purposeful living energizes your mind, body and spirit.
Peace and contentment. Knowing you are exactly where you need to be.
I could go on and on, but these are probably the most notable benefits of living purposefully. If you’ve never felt strengthened, empowered or fulfilled by your activities before, you have definitely not discovered your purpose yet (or chosen one that resonates with you). Once you do, every moment of your life takes on greater meaning and passion – rather than seeming pointless and boring.
by White Dove Books 2008
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