What is your life's purpose?

I was out with some past retreat attendees (friends!), and three of us were having a discussion about our life's purpose. Both are nurses, among many other things. They are so lovely and could never be defined in one word! One knew her purpose right away, "healing," while the other was contemplating how to define it. We had all spent a week together this past February in Costa Rica, and it was clear that this woman was so full of wonder and joy. She brought the energy of the group way up. So as the three of us continued to talk, the word "love" kept coming up.

I loved this conversation because having this idea of a purpose can help give us so much direction in life. It can help us prioritize where to put our energy, focus when we feel lost, and move through any blocks or challenges as they arise. It reminds us of what we can offer, what we can receive, and why we are alive. For instance, my friend who's purpose was "healing" does that in so many capacities of her life, not just as a nurse in her job. She teaches belly dancing and helps women "heal" pain in their bodies. She has animals and is a great friend who is always there to listen, helping the people around her "heal" with a kind ear. She is also so full of light that it gives the people around her a lightness too, helping us all feel a little better.

This is what is so cool about knowing your purpose. It becomes the north star in your life. I also think we don't have to have just one purpose and can change and evolve. During different seasons in your life, your purpose may be caregiving, learning, creativity, resting, etc. There are big themes that will always be a huge part of us. AND I don't want anyone to read this and put themselves in a box, please! It is a north star, but just like the Earth revolves, so do we.

I thought a lot about this conversation the next morning and what my own purpose is. I know my "why" and mission. I've written about those before, and they were critical for me to define as I was starting my business. However, this conversation had me thinking about one word, one idea, that could possibly be my purpose. The words I kept coming up with were bold, brave, courage, and empowerment. They represent both what I want In The Flow to do for other women AND what I want to do for myself. How I want to be.

If I had to choose one word, it would be courage...and interestingly enough, it immediately reminds me of the Lion in The Wizard of Oz. How it took being out of his comfort zone and challenged for his courage to be recognized, by others and then himself. Courage takes strength. I do enjoy getting out of my comfort zone. I do want to keep showing up courageously in life. I do want others feel empowered to be bold and brave, to live courageously.

So as a Leo, the lion, and a woman trying to live with courage, I send you this invitation. Think about your purpose. If you are stuck, that's okay! Talk to someone who knows you and has seen you in these really amazing situations (like our friends on retreat!). Consider why you could be here on this revolving rock we call Earth. And when you feel a little lost in who you are, what is the north star to guide you home?