What I learned during the summer

It's been enlightening to reminisce on my summer thus far. Common and profound themes have revealed themselves through specific situations scattered throughout the past few months. I would love to share all the details of these circumstances, but seeing that I have limited space, I'll do my best to keep it concise. If you would like to have a conversation about any of the details, email me at pam@pathsofdiscoverylifecoaching.com.

It all started with meeting a very special girl at one of our gigs. (for those of you who don't know, Brian - my husband, and I are in a band.) Check us out at http://www.myspace.com/bandaotm
The gifts: The importance of being in the Present, and giving love and compassion will make a difference.

Sad news arrived when a dear sister shared of having a second bout with cancer.
The gifts: Trust God, let go of worry, & serve.

An opportunity to open a gig for an awesome musician, who by the way is our nephew. Check him out at http://www.myspace.com/brucedaymusic

The gift : Reminder of how not taking a risk leads to disappointment and missing out on living life to it's fullest.

A singing opportunity at the Memorial of a very special guy. I did not know him personally, yet I heard story after story of how his life impacted others in a profound way. He was a man living life with Down Syndrome. Being involved in this service blessed me far more than I could have ever have hoped to give.
The gifts: A celebration of his life. Mottos he lived his life by were:

• Sing and Dance all you can.
• Do everything full of Joy.
• Keep it Simple.
• God can fix it.

Through this journey of circumstances, opportunities, and gifts, I was struck how my life purpose is the central theme that weaves these experiences together. Reflecting on this theme caused me to create a personal Life Purpose roadmap that serves as my guide.

Roadmap to Live my True Life Purpose:

• Honor God by serving others through active use of the gifts and talents He's given.


• Take a Risk - let go of fear.


• Remember to be/live in the Present or the Now.


• Give love and compassion.


• Watch for and embrace opportunities.

What does your Life Purpose roadmap look like?

Dr. Brad Swift author of, "Life on Purpose - 6 passages to an inspired life," shares an interesting perspective on living your True Life Purpose. We sometimes get in a mind-set of funneling our purpose into one segment of life and letting that segment identify who we are. For example: our career, our title, what material possessions, our roles - I am mother/father of, provider for, spouse of, or child of.

Dr Swift poses the question, "Doesn't it make sense that our life purpose should encompass all aspects of our life and not just segments of it?"

I believe that living life's purpose starts with taking a look at our personal foundation. It's like remodeling your house into what you have always dreamed it to look like. It may look great from outward appearance, colorful paint, furnishings and décor. However, to withstand time, and weather the storms, it must have a firm foundation.

To begin remodeling, the foundation has to be uncovered to see it clearly and identify any structural cracks. Once identified there is opportunity to start construction and rebuild and repair the areas that need attention.

Examples of Structural Cracks in life's foundation:

• Living out of fear, avoidance, lack or scarcity in: relationships, work/career, religion, finances, feelings, activities.


• Repetitive habits, attitudes, and actions that are not working.

Begin to Rebuild with Foundational Building Blocks:

Start with one block at a time and give yourself permission to spend as much time as you need with it.
1. Be aware of where your energy goes.
2. Simplify by making time and space for what you want to bring into your life.
3. Identify where fear, avoidance and scarcity are running your life. Take one small step of faith, one small Risk and notice what happens.
4. Make the choice and let go of unproductive habits. Be willing to do things a different way to move forward.
5. Bring in a partner to support you and give accountability.
6. Watch for opportunities and embrace them.

I'm curious, how is Life Purpose important to you?
What building blocks do you use in your own life?
Does your Life Purpose change throughout the years?

Thanks in advance for sharing.
Thanks to Theresa Pelster for her photography talents.