I initially had a more ego based idea of what my purpose might be. Something noble. But for 25 years I lived in a self created hell on earth and survived some painful experiences. Seventeen years ago, I began transforming my life. But I was still clueless about my purpose.

I started working as a counselor and it was the first time in my life that I didn’t feel inadequate, (at least when I was working) and I alway knew what to say, what was needed and how to reach my clients. But I had to quit work because of health issues. I kept trying to positive think myself back to health so I could start my own facility. But it seemed I kept getting worse.

Finally, I decided to accept my situation as it currently existed (not to say that I still don’t do work to heal). I decided to see what I could do at the moment to kept from vegetating. Shortly thereafter, I received a book, one of many, that I had ordered. It was written by a life coach. I didn’t know there was such a thing. And then I discovered that I could do it on the phone.

Perfect! That 25 years of hell is now an attribute because I have experienced and overcome many of the issues that can make people feel trapped and miserable. But it still isn’t smooth sailing.

Not knowing about the internet, I had to get some information. First I spent money on ebooks and courses, but I needed more. Then I spent thousands on “business mentors” on the internet. Yes, I was incredibly naive. First I got absolutely nothing I couldn’t have gotten for free and the second time I got limited and faulty information. I even had to pay to have the website redesigned because no one could figure out the system that was used in order to finish it.

So I am looking at bankruptcy for the credit card debt that I incurred on the internet plus some medical bills that occurred right behind. I never have had credit card debt before. But I still believe I am on track with my purpose. Perhaps the “how” is the problem.

Part of the lesson I have learned is that I need to trust myself more. I do need help with the marketing, but as far as my articles, courses, information, insights and coaching, the answers are in my heart and soul. Not somewhere else. I have done extensive field work, 25 years of it and 17 more overcoming the issues that led to it.

Since my unfortunate experiences on the internet, I have found two people who are genuine and have integrity. What a gift. One is a web designer and he designed a logo for me free of charge.The other person is a marketing expert. I squeezed out the last of my credit line and he s helping with the marketing. He even cut his price in half because of my situation.

I agree about not looking for a destination. You probably won’t get one. It’s more like a feeling to go right or left. A nudge here and a nudge there. But it takes practice to discern the intuitive wisdom from ego or emotional reactions. Especially if you happen to be like I was.

I had repressed my own feeling since I was three and only showed the ones that were appropriate or didn’t cause anyone else discomfort. No wonder I felt like I didn’t count and that I wasn’t important. I was making myself invisible. I was an extra in everyone else’s drama acting out their script for me. I didn’t even know who I was anymore. Those 17 years were a journey back to myself.

Feelings are the language of the Soul. The more you allow yourself to experience your feelings, the more you will feel the direction that your Soul is trying to show you. Sorry, this is already longer than I had intended and I could go on. But I will save it for another post.

You will find your Purpose. Sometimes preparation may be required. But don’t give up and certainly know this: YOU have a purpose. Being who we truly are underneath the defenses and the ego, and living our Purpose is what give our lives meaning. Expressing our essence and fulfilling our Purpose is who we are. If we fail to do this, we may have existed, but WE haven’t lived.

To Your Authentic Life,
Lauren Kennedy

I also have a blog. I don’t know if I am allowed to put the URL here or not.

I’m excited with what I’ve been experiencing thus far and have found that Dr. Joe Vitale’s book that you spoke about earlier in a blog post (The Key) has been tremendously helpful to me.

The web more than anything has given an outlet and voice to many dissatisfied souls. It’s wonderful to have communities such as this and other like-minded blogs to come to for encouragement and masterminding.

I firmly believe that there’s more help, hope and possibility out there than ever before for taking control of your working life.

I am mentioning it here to encourage Denise and others like her to do them

Thanks for the ebook and the many other words of insight you share! Lucy

There are NO extra people out there.

Meaning, you’re not just an “extra” in this symphony of life. You have a unique and important purpose. Finding your true purpose in life is not an easy process, and that is why so many of us give up and resort to “settling” for whatever comes our way, living below our true potential.

Have you gone through the exercises I teach in “The Passion Project” yet? Perhaps you’re having trouble connecting to your purpose and passion in life because you’re trying to wait until you hear the “grand plan” before you take a step forward in any direction. Knowing your true purpose is not like knowing the destination on a map that you somehow program your GPS for.

Knowing your purpose is more like knowing the DIRECTION on a map, kind of like a compass.

In terms of metaphors, if you’re in Houston, Texas, and you try to figure out where your purpose is, you may be waiting to hear whether it’s in Los Angeles or New York. While you’re desperately trying to listen for the DESTINATION, the universe is continuously sending you a message to your internal GPS saying “GO NORTH! GO NORTH!” but you’re tuning it out thinking “SHHHHHH with the Go North crap, I’m trying to listen if I’m supposed to go to LA or NY!”

Try reading my eBook again, go through the exercises and see what comes up for you.

You may find out in the end that your purpose was so grand, your true fear was trying to live such a grand purpose, and not the fear of not having one.

Take care of yourself.