Friday, September 20, 2013

What is the Purpose?

    by Sharon MacGregor


The answer is the question

When am I going to learn to STOP telling the universe how things should work out?  Sometimes, I do not realize that I am doing it.  I find myself in a situation, and assume it should go this way and then I spend, a lot of mental energy trying to force what I want to happen.  There is frustration, anxiety and anger in this approach.  Especially since it never, ever works out – plans fall apart, feelings get hurt, time and money is wasted. 

My response, of course is to swing to the other extreme – I am going to shun this situation. Ignore the feelings; denounce the connection or the energy.  That is equally frustrating, because it is a constant battle “to remember to forget” something that is ringing in your soul. 

Eventually, I collapse in mental exhaustion, “I give up.”  Then, as if by magic – some clarity begins to permeate my mind.  Not an answer, or a revelation of what must be done with clear directions on how to do it, but the right questions – What could possibly be the intended purpose of this situation in my life?  How can I serve?  How can I grow?  What are the gifts here?

I find myself in such a predicament, as I aspire to live as my authentic self.  I do not want to be hampered by shame or ego.  I want to follow the desires of my heart.  I can hear the judgment in my head constantly.  “Are you crazy?”   “That is stupid?”  “How are you going to explain this to everyone?”  “People are going to think you are (a)__________ (fill in the blank with several different words).”  I do not want to be guided in my choices by these comments.

I am consciously choosing my actions and my words and checking my intention.  I am focused on getting the gifts, learning the lessons (albeit, eventually).  I am finding that when I act from this place of “allowing”, there is a sweet joy, a comfort and inner strength.  I recognize that the outcome is not for me to determine.  It is for me to be real, to serve, to be a friend, to give love and acceptance.  When mistakes are made and my ego is ruffled, it is for me to forgive.

I have an extraordinary opportunity to express who I am – to do the work of asking for what I want, expressing my hurt, being thankful, appreciating goodness, kindness, sweetness – the attributes I seek to develop in myself.  I can create an extraordinary experience that will last a lifetime.  

So the lesson for me is to constantly check in with myself, be honest about my feelings and my struggles, and always ask the questions about purpose, because they are the answers.

Sharon MacGregor, owner of Serene Serendipity, is an Integrative Health and Lifestyle Coach and Yoga Instructor, working with people who are ready to reclaim their health and live their dreams.  She is a a passionate foodie.  Her approach is to bring balance and connection to all areas of life, so the everyday is fulfilling. This mother of 2, is intent on helping people live the life of their dreams today. www.sereneserendipity.com.  Twitter:  @serenesharon  Facebook