I have some changes going on in my work ecosphere and I’m trying to consciously create my next chapter. I’ve revisited some of my anchor points, things like strengths, values, energetic flow, and what needs healing as I move forward. This week I’ve been thinking about where the pull to engage with life, and the spark of excitement or eagerness to participate in or create something originates from, and what I can do to keep it burning bright.
This led me to look at the six spheres of influence. These are the major areas that research shows support sustained high levels of life satisfaction. The six areas are self-awareness, personal growth, environment, purpose, sovereignty, and relationships. ( I have discussed many of these in previous newsletters) Revisiting purpose and meaning was particularly helpful.
Purpose – I hesitate to use this word as it has become almost cliche. I’m referring to a sense of meaning and direction in everyday life. It gives you a zest for life. This is not to say that every single day you spring out of bed brimming with exuberant excitement.
It’s more the day-to-day engagement with life that feels meaningful (to you) and helps you navigate through the rough patches. Sometimes purpose is linked to work yet for many it’s not. It may show up as a side effect of you being you but it is not the work that is the purpose.
There are many components a sense of contributing to the greater good, a feeling that you and your contributions matter, and a sense of meaning but for me, the biggest component is feeling aligned with what I’m doing.
My ‘big why’ in my life is centered around empowering people to heal, particularly self-heal. This shows up in the way I parent, the way I communicate, in my relationships, and especially in my work. It’s a central cause of my frustration with western medicine, a person isn’t treated as a whole rather the symptom is addressed, and people are often disempowered. When I first started my coaching business, I would only work with clients for three months because I didn’t want anyone to see me as a source of well-being. I wanted to teach them they could create this for themselves. Looking back, it was a silly rule, I trust in my process and if needed I simply discuss these things with clients now.
Plugging into my purpose has helped me to clarify what I’m creating and why. Don’t get me wrong, I have days where I want to (and sometimes do) pull the covers over my head or curl up with a book and forget there’s a world outside. This strong sense of purpose helps me navigate my way back to the world.
I’m excited (and a little scared) of the changes and leaning into what I know serves me and the world around me does help me navigate the journey.
How about you – What gives your life meaning? What lights you up, sparks curiosity, or annoys the heck out of you? How are these things showing up in your life? Drop me a note to let me know.
Be Well,
Cathy
P.S. If you want some support in consciously creating your life get on the early notification list for the next cohort of the Conscious Creating Group here
