A note from Pam: Living out your purpose looks different for everyone

June 1, 2016

Lately, I’ve been having great conversations with women who want to live their life “on purpose”. If you attended our LIFT event in January you may remember purpose was the subject of Kirsten’s talk.

We all want to do something or live in such a way that has impact on our life, others’ lives, and our community. Often times, we don’t know what that looks like for us! First steps, for me anyway, often include sharing something I’ve been thinking about with a trustworthy friend. I am a soul slosher…in other words I love drinking my favorite beverage and talking about matters like these with women, sharing my heart and hearing theirs. If I can start by sharing with someone, I am often met with great enthusiasm and my friend saying, “Just do it!” In fact, just today, I read a Proverb which states, “The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out.”

Fear frequently keeps us from dreaming or scheming or taking first steps towards that unique “something” that we can contribute. Some of the amazing women I’ve met with lately aren’t letting fear keep them from living out their purpose. I’m sure you will be as inspired by their journey as I am…

• Jan* recently moved to a new location. Not only is she in a new environment, she is also about to be an empty nester. She has spent 20+ years pouring into her childrens’ lives and wants to know what’s next for her. Her precious heart has a passion to pray and help women grow in their relationship with God. We brainstormed about ways to move forward. Mostly she was just hungering for connection…we enjoyed that over lunch!

• In the year following Mary’s* mother’s death, Mary is finding that she really wants to make her time on earth count, specifically in her children’s lives. She no longer wants to settle for just getting by, but desires to be intentional in her children’s lives…especially in spiritual matters of the heart. She has a career and is busy, but is taking steps to work from home so she can have more intentional time with her children. Life is too short this side of heaven to live without purpose and passion!

• Sally* had an active career and is now pregnant with her 4th child. When she moved a few years ago she made the decision to work very part time from home. Why? So she could be intentional and focused as a mom. Does she miss being in her career path (which she absolutely loves)? Of course she does, but she knows that she will never get this time back with her children, so for her, this was the best choice…and she’s living her life “on purpose” and not letting what she values get overtaken.

Change happens… living out our purpose may look different according to the season we’re in. And that’s okay…the important thing is, “Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs, is people who have come alive.” (Howard Thurman)

I can’t wait to do some soul sloshing with YOU! I hope to see you at our Conquering Fear Workshop on July 16th! (Get all the scoop about the workshop here or register now!)

-Pam

*Names have been changed to honor the individual