Purpose: Finding Your "Why"

Happy Holidays! In our fast-paced world, (it’s getting faster, isn’t it, especially around the holidays!) we're often caught up in a cycle of constant doing, leaving little space to contemplate the deeper aspects of life. However, I encourage you to take some time over the Holidays to reflect on your purpose, presence, and the pursuit of peace. It can transform the way we experience the world around us. Let’s see how embracing them can lead to a more fulfilling, connected life.

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Purpose is the compass that guides our lives. It’s the reason we wake up in the morning ready to face both challenges and opportunities. Finding our purpose begins with understanding our skills, experiences, and passions. This can be on all levels of our lives - life, relationships, career/work, etc.

Think about these questions:

• What activities make you lose track of time?

• What do people frequently ask for your help with?

• What issues or causes are you most passionate about?

When we align our actions with our purpose, we create a powerful synergy that propels us forward, making our journey both meaningful and impactful. As Mark Twain says, “the two most important days in life are the day you were born and the day you discover the reason WHY”.

Presence: Living in the Now

It can be challenging to Be Present in our normal life, right? Add in the Holiday season with all the decorating, shopping, holiday parties, special events and more, and not only are we distracted, we’re exhausted (maybe crabby, too?! eek). Holidays are supposed to be FUN! And really, aren’t all the special events, supposed to connect us? Isn’t that the reason we’re doing all the ‘extra’? Being present can be challenging. Yet, presence is where life truly unfolds. It’s about embracing the moment fully, without being lost in thoughts of the past or worries about the future. Here’s how we can cultivate presence:

• Mindfulness Practices: Engage in daily mindfulness exercises such as meditation, deep breathing, or nature walks to ground yourself in the present moment.

• Gratitude Journaling: Start a gratitude journal to encourage appreciation for the here and now.

• Active Listening: Be genuinely attentive in your conversations, focusing on understanding rather than simply responding.

By staying present, we enrich our experiences and connect more deeply with ourselves and others. Be where your feet are and nowhere else this season.

Peace: The Journey Within

Do you see peace as a destination? Have you ever felt peace is elusive? Most of us desire peace at some level yet it can feel so far away and we can feel burned out with all the holiday fun (see above!). Peace is more about cultivating a state of inner calm regardless of external circumstances. Here are some ways to nurture peace in our lives:

• Set Boundaries: Protect your mental and emotional well-being by setting healthy boundaries in your personal and professional life. We DON’T have to say YES to every holiday event! Also, are you setting healthy boundaries on a daily/weekly basis in all areas of your life?

• Self-care Rituals: Prioritize self-care through activities that rejuvenate your spirit, such as reading, yoga/working out or enjoying a hobby.

• Simplify: Declutter your environment and life to focus on what truly matters, reducing stress and creating space for peace. Can’t stress this one enough!

Finding peace requires intention and practice, but it leads to a profound sense of serenity and balance.

Bringing it All Together

Honestly, in most of the discussion above, we have already heard it, know to be true and would agree to the steps to take! However, it’s in the practice, not necessarily the desire, that we falter.

By discovering our purpose, practicing presence, and cultivating peace, we create a life that is both authentic and more enriched with meaning. Remember, this journey is unique to each individual, and it’s okay to take small, consistent steps toward these ideals.

Reflect on these aspects and consider how they can be woven into the fabric of your daily life. Embrace the journey, celebrate the progress, and know that with every step, you're creating a life of fulfillment and joy.

Finally, enjoy the holidays with all the wonder, awe, magic, and fun that only this season can bring.

Much love for the season

-Traci