Day 4: Purpose
#evolving40 Day 4: Purpose
I’m glad that the theme of “Purpose” happened to fall on Juneteenth, as well as on the 40th birthday of one of my dearest friends. To me, it symbolizes how our purpose can be expansive enough to include what’s going on in the larger world and in our little corner of it.
A lot of us are rethinking our purpose during this time. COVID has forced us to adapt to new lifestyles in drastic ways -- socially, financially, family- and career-wise, or all of the above. Many are waking up to injustices of all kinds (some for the first time, others in a more active way) and leveling up in our social change work.
By following my curiosity and experimenting with a variety of different work, I’ve gotten more and more clear on my own purpose. I think my highest contribution is to learn in public, to openly share my experiences as I learn to live more compassionately and wholeheartedly. Evolving is difficult and messy, but if we’re willing to be more honest and vulnerable about it, we see that we’re not alone and can give ourselves and each other the grace to grow.
I’ve zeroed in on perfectionism and worthiness as the core of the work I’d like to do, helping self-critical people like myself unlock their gifts and live more fully. Through writing, podcasting, and honest conversations, I’m learning to accept who I am, in all of my strengths and challenges, and where I am in my consciousness at any given moment. I believe that we’re all doing the best we can within our circumstances.
Working on our own development isn’t selfish; it’s the opposite. We start by turning our energy inward, and once we’re healed enough to see our common humanity, we can shift that energy outward toward social change.
We contain multitudes, and our purpose can include all of the things that light a fire inside of us. Posts about our loved ones, silly memes, and think pieces on systemic racism aren't mutually exclusive. They’re all a part of the full range of human experience.
I want everyone on earth to be able to fulfill their purpose, which requires being safe, healthy, and financially sound. On the question of which issues matter to her -- racial justice, LGBTQ rights, gender equality -- Brené Brown says, “I have one issue that I care about: and that is the dignity and rights of human beings.”
Amen. 🙏
How I’ve evolved: I’ve done a lot of work on myself, and tuned out what I think others expect of me, to get clear on my purpose and highest contribution.
How I’m evolving: I’m expanding the way I think about my purpose in life, how I can unlock gifts in myself and others that we can channel toward social change.
P.S. Fans of Steve Martin’s “The Jerk” will understand why I’m giggling a little as I write about “my special purpose.”
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If you’d like to join me for The Evolving 40:
- All are welcome. Jump in at any time.
- On the daily theme, think: “How have I evolved? How am I evolving?”
- Length and format are up to you.
- Post in the comments below or on your own social with the hashtag #evolving40.
- Whatever comes up is what’s meant to be!
