Christian Living
Christian Living
Finding Purpose
By Lisa Mort
Many of us desire to live a more purposeful life, but we find ourselves confused about what our purpose should really be. When we step back and take an honest look at our life . . . we are not satisfied. We want to put our energy towards something that matters to us, but trying to find that something leaves us even more frustrated and disappointed. Maybe we are spending too much time doing things that are not particularly important, or maybe we find ourselves frequently being pulled off course by our feelings -- feelings of fear, anxiety, or depression. We know we need to take action, but we procrastinate.
At some point in our life we got so wrapped up in the day to day struggle, we forget our dreams. We lose our passion. Our desire to just make it through the day becomes our main objective. Or, maybe we get so caught up in the competitive world, our only goal is stomping the competition no matter what the cost. Wherever you may fall within these scenarios, the fact is your are unsatisfied. The good news is, by the simple fact that your are even reading this, you are aware that you have to change this way of life.
Congratulations, with out even knowing it, you took a step in restoring the balance in your life. By allowing the awareness of your want to change to fill your thoughts, you have come that much closer to finding your purpose.
The question still remains though - How do we find our purpose? I have read a countless number of books pertaining to this subject, attended inspirational and motivational seminars, and searched endlessly on the web for this answer. I discovered many suggestions, plans to follow, and programs to join. I can honestly say, by researching this subject, I acquired a significant amount of useful information. Each program and book had its own unique message to deliver.
The one thing that I feel was never stressed enough was the fact that our inner self is controlled by the conditioned thinking society has spread among the masses. Think about it, when you were a kid, what had society deemed as a successful life? I remember hearing, “attend school, get good grades, mind your elders, go to college, get a high paying job” -- a doctor or a lawyer were the main ones then -- “get married, raise a family, grow old, and retire.” Not that this plan is wrong, it just is not for everybody.
For about 12 years of our childhood, this was the main message, to some degree or another, that was embed into our subconscious. Is it any wonder a couple of us got lost along the way? Forget it if you are a creative person, creative brains can not function properly in this thinking process.
When we live in this conditioned thinking state, our true desires become repressed. Especially if they do not meet the status quo.
My challenge to you is for just 5 minutes, throw out everything that is expected from you, not only from others, but also what you expect from yourself.
When your mind has settled, think about something you love to do. When you have it pictured in your mind, think of how it could also benefit others. If you are having a hard time with this exercise, take a break and come back to it later. It took quite some time of conditioned thinking to get where you are today, so it may take some time to allow yourself to let go and bring it to the surface.
Revisit this exercise until you can visualize what it is that you love. Your purpose in life hides tucked away in that picture in your mind. You will know when you find the answer because it will resonate through out your body.
Enjoy your journey! I know that finding your purpose will be more fulfilling and rewarding than you dreamed possible.
Lisa Mort
Encouraging and inspiring people to find their purpose in life!
http://www.thelifeofpurpose.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lisa_Mort
Wednesday, July 30, 2008